CEBU, Philippines - Ruben Gonzales and Francis Casey Alcantara became the country's heroes after they blasted separate Thai foes to seal the Philippines' resounding 4-1 triumph over Thailand in the second round of the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group II tie last night at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.
Gonzales hammered out a masterful three-set demolition of the world-rated Danai Udomchoke, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. A few hours later, the Cagayan de Oro City-native Alcantara provided the proverbial icing on Phl's victory cake after he trounced Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.
The 27-year-old Gonzales displayed superb tennis skills in blowing off to Udomchoke to virtually seal a spot for host Phl into the third and final round against New Zealand on September 13-15 most likely still at Plantation Bay. A win over New Zealand will surely spring Phl back to the more prestigious Group I stage.
So comfortable Gonzales was playing on clay court that he hit heavy spins, served well, made cunning drop shots and forehand attacks.
After finding himself at a deep 0-2 hole, Udomchoke tried his best in the third set, but Gonzales was too hot for him to handle.
“This is the biggest win for me. I said I was so ready for this match and I have proven it,†said Gonzales.
Udomchoke is actually nursing from an elbow injury, but he won't make it as an excuse saying that Gonzales did play extremely well.
“I tried everything I could, but Gonzales played impressively. I don’t know what else to do after the second set. In the third set, I couldn’t control the ball,†said Udomchoke.
Interestingly, it was Gonzales who broke the ice for Phl, whipping Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul in three sets. Gonzales was leading, 6-7(6) 6-4, 3-0 when the Thai retired with leg cramps in the third set.
Udomchoke won the second rubber against Johnny Arcilla, 6-3, 6-2, 1-6, 6-2, but Treat Huey and Alcantara prevailed in the doubles over Pruchya Isarow and Nuttanon Kadchapanan, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (4) to give Phl a crucial 2-1 edge.
Then enter Gonzales and Alcantara. They swept the reverse singles as Phl snapped out of a two-game slump against Thailand.
Head-to-head, the Pinoys now hold a 4-2 advantage over the Thais in six Davis Cup meetings since 1959.
In four stints at Plantation Bay, the Pinoy bets evened their record at 2-2 against tough foreign opposition. They fell prey to Japan and Chinese-Taipei, but triumphed over Syria and just last night against Thailand. (FREEMAN)