MANILA, Philippines - Francis Casey Alcantara rejoins the Philippine team as it takes on Pakistan in their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II tie slated April 6-8 at the Philippine Columbian Association’s clay court.
The 20-year-old Alcantara, who has an athletic scholarship at US NCAA Division I Fresno State, has agreed to play for the Phl team taking over from the injury-stricken Jeson Patrombon.
“He will play,” said Phl Davis Cup administrator Randy Villanueva referring to Alcantara, who reached the No. 14 world junior rankings after winning the juniors Australian Open doubles title two years ago.
Alcantara will join Fil-Ams Treat Conrad Huey and Ruben Gonzales and Johnny Arcilla in the team that will be headed by non-playing captain Cecil Mamiit.
The Philippines leads Pakistan in their Davis Cup meetings, 4-1.
Interestingly, Alcantara lost to Pakistani Jalil Khan, 6-1, 6-7 (8) 3-6, in a 3-2 Phl victory also at the PCA courts three years ago. Alcantara then packed his bags to study in the US the year after.