Cuppers honor Ninoy, Cory in showdown versus Kiwis

MANILA, Philippines - Other than a possible return in Group 1 of the Davis Cup, the RP men’s tennis team has an extra motivation going into its Asia-Oceania Group II tie against New Zealand this weekend.

The Filipino quartet of Cecil Mamiit, Treat Conrad Huey, Johnny Arcilla and newcomer Elbert Anasta decided to dedicate the three-day event in memory of the late President Corazon Aquino and her husband, ex-Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.

RP Davis Cup team coordinator Randy Villanueva made the announcement during the weekly PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Avenue, stressing that the tribute has been planned shortly after President Aquino’s death and doesn’t have anything to do with the current political atmosphere in the country.

“This is not something political. Our team just decided to do its own version of giving tribute to the Aquino couple for all the sacrifices they’ve done for the country,” said Villanueva.

For the duration of the Sept. 18-20 Davis Cup tie at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) indoor courts, Villanueva is asking those who will be watching the matches to be in their yellow attire, the color standing as the well-known symbol of the former housewife turned President.

Villanueva added that former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Philip Juico, a close family friend and former Cabinet secretary during the term of Aquino, confirmed the presence of the President’s children during the three-day competition.

“We don’t know who’s going to attend but Mr. Juico just informed that the Aquinos would definitely be watching the games,” said the RP Davis Cup official.

Except for Huey, all the Filipino players were present during the same forum sponsored by Shakey’s, Outlast Battery, Pagcor and Accel, along with non-playing team captain Chris Cuarto.

Mamiit, 33, expects a tough fight from the Kiwis, whom they handily beat, 4-1, in their last Davis Cup meeting in 2007 in Auckland, New Zealand.

“I’m pretty sure they’re very hungry cause they’ve not been into Group 1 for a long time now. So it’s going to be an even bout,” said Mamiit, who has a 19-7 (win-loss) record in Davis Cup competition.

Winner of the tie will be promoted in Group 1 of the premiere international team event in men’s tennis.

Overall, the Filipinos hold a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head match-up with the Kiwis.

But New Zealand will have a different face now with the entry of new players Adam Thompson, G.D. Jones and Mikal Statham teaming up with veterans Daniel King-Turner and Jose Statham. Gone are Matt Simpson and Simon Rea.

“Basically, they were a young team when we faced them two years ago. So we’ll see what they’ll bring on the table this time,” Mamiit said.

The Group II finals was forged after the Filipinos humbled Pakistan, 3-2, at the same PCA shell courts last July, while the Kiwis blanked Indonesia, 5-0, at the Perry Arena Indoor Stadium.

The Group II finals begin at 10 a.m. Friday with the opening singles followed by the second singles at 1 p.m.

Doubles will then be played on Saturday at 1 p.m., before the two reverse singles are held Sunday starting at 10 a.m.