Tierro seeks revenge vs Sri Lanka’s No. 2

MANILA, Philippines - Patrick John Tierro has a score to settle as he faces Sri Lanka’s No. 2 Harshanna Godamanna today in a bid to fuel the Philippines’ drive in the opening singles in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group II tie at the Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City.

“I’m a different player from the last time we played and I’m more confident now,” said Tierro during yesterday’s drawing of lots, also at Valle Verde, which is hosting the event for the first time.

Valle Verde sports director Richie Lozada picked Tierro’s name and the country’s top netter couldn’t wait to slug it out with Godamanna, who beat him, 3-6, 7-6 (8), 6-4, 2-6, 3-6, in their last year’s clash in Colombo.

But the Philippines took the other singles match, the doubles and the reverse singles to post a 3-1 victory. The Filipinos, however, fell short of their bid against the Pakistan side and remained in Group II.

Ruben Gonzalez, on the other hand, will take on Sri Lanka No. 1 Sharmal Dissanayake with the Fil-Am netter also upbeat of his chances against the 19-year-old ace in the second singles match set after Tierro-Godamanna clash at 4 p.m.

World-ranked Treat Conrad Huey and Pepperdine University standout Francis Casey Alcantara, meanwhile, team up in doubles against Dineshkanthan Thangarajah and Sankha Atukorale at 3 p.m. tomorrow.

The reverse single is set on Sunday with Gonzales clashing with Godamanna and Tierro battling Dissanayake.

The Filipinos are heavily favored to repeat over the Sri Lankans, whom they have beaten in their eight ties although non-playing team captain Roland Kraut said it’s going to be a tough match.

“Yes, we want to win over Sri Lanka and take that first step towards returning to Group I for the first time since 2011. But I don’t think it’s going to be easy,” said Kraut.

Huey, who is coming off a solid stint with the Manila Mavericks in the International Premier Tennis League late last year, said this year’s Phl lineup is the strongest in years.

“This is a talented team, anyone can play singles and doubles,” he said.

Phl Tennis Association vice president and Davis Cup team administrator Randy Villanueva said he hopes Filipino tennis fans gets to watch and support the team.

“Our advantage is our crowd so the more people who could cheer for our team, the better,” he said.

Tickets in the event, which is sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier, Yonex, Pasig City and the Philippine Sports Commission, are priced at P1,000 for a three-day pass, and P500 for a day pass. New Zealand’s David Smith is the head ITF referee.