Thais sweep Pinoy Cuppers

MANILA, Philippines - Thailand completed a 5-0 shutout of a short-handed Philippine team yesterday at National Training Development Center in Nonthaburi to advance to the final of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone Group II tournament.

With the tie already in the bag after Saturday’s doubles match, the Thais still pounded the Pinoys in the non-bearing reverse singles with Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul beating PJ Tierro, 6-4, 6-1, and Jirat Navasirisomboon defeating junior ace AJ Lim, 6-4, 6-2.

Thailand thus progressed to the championship round against Pakistan, which advanced without trading shots after opponent Hong Kong withdrew from their second-round tie in Islamabad. Winner of the Thailand-Pakistan duel will get promotion to Group I next year.

“We lost badly against Thailand, but I’m still proud of my kuyas here. They’ve really stepped it up and fought their hardest on each and every point,” said Lim, who took the cudgels for Phl along with Jeson Patrombon and Tierro following the withdrawal of injured regulars Treat Huey, Reuben Gonzales and Francis Casey Alcantara.