Netters face Pakistanis sans Mamiit

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Davis Cup team will take on Pakistan in their Asia-Oceania Group II tie from April 6-8 at the Phl Columbian Association shell court without its long-time leader Fil-Am Cecil Mamiit.

Mamiit, who steered the Filipinos back to Group I for two years before the team was relegated to Group II, excused himself for serving as the Filipinos’ non-playing team captain and will be replaced by Chris Cuarto.

“Yes, Chris Cuarto will take over from Cecil Mamiit starting in the Pakistan tie,” said Phl Tennis Association vice president and Davis Cup team administrator Randy Villanueva yesterday.

It marked the first time that the 35-year-old Mamiit will not be in the squad after 21 straight Davis Cup appearances either as a player or non-playing skipper starting six years ago.

Mamiit, who last powered the Filipinos past Pacific Oceania, 5-0, in Iriga City last month, has played a total of 45 matches and went out with records of 25-20 (win-loss) in singles and 9-7 in doubles.

There was also a player change in the roster with Francis Casey Alcantara, who has an athletic scholarship at US NCAA Division I Fresno State, replacing Jeson Patrombon, who sustained an ankle injury two weeks ago.

The other members of the squad are doubles specialist Treat Conrad Huey, Ruben Gonzales and Johnny Arcilla.