Philta lines up ITF Future tournaments

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines Tennis Association wants to ride the momentum of its come-from-behind win over South Korea in last week’s Davis Cup.

And the best way to do that, according to Philta vice president Randy Villanueva, is for them to host more international tournaments in the country.

The Philta official graced yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Ave. along with the country’s top player, Cecil Mamiit, and fellow national team mainstay Albert Anasta.

This early, they’re planning to host a couple of ITF Men’s Future tournaments next year and draw some of the world best, upcoming players.

Villanueva said each leg may easily cost the country $60,000, and it can only be done with the help of the private sector and the Philippine Sports Commission.

“We need all the help that we can get. And we are determined to host this kind of event,” said Villanueva, adding that it’s the kind of exposure Filipinos could get in their home turf.

Mamiit spearheaded the RP team that came back from a 0-2 deficit to beat the Koreans in their Asia Oceania Group 1 tie in Changwon, South Korea.

Mamiit and Treat Huey dropped the opening singles but came back strong in the doubles to avert a shutout. On the final day, they swept the reverse singles for the 3-2 win.

Aside from Mamiit, Huey, who flew straight to Turkey from South Korea for a $75,000 Challenger event, and Anasta, the other member of the team is Johnny Arcilla.

It was the first victory for the Philippines in the Davis Cup since 1967. More important than that is that the Filipinos will remain in Group 1 next year.

“We have to develop a more solid team for next year. We have at least five months to do that,” said Mamiit, at 34 still a force to reckon with in the region.

“We need to start our campaign next year real strong,” he added.