FRESH from his win in an International Tennis Federation tournament in France, Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippines’ Davis Cupper Ruben Gonzales jumpstarts the host’s bid when he plays Chinese Taipei’s Ti Chen, opening the second round of the Asia/Oceania Zone Group II Davis Cup tournament at Philippine Columbian Association courts in Paco, Manila.
Francis Casey Alcantara, meanwhile, will face Liang-chi Huang on the same day for the second singles’ match.
Wimbledon doubles finalist Treat Huey and junior standout Jeson Patrombon have been nominated to battle against Jui-Chen Hung and Chieh-fu Wang on Saturday’s crucial doubles’ match.
“I’m very confident about the team’s chances against Chinese Taipei. Everyone is in excellent shape after competing extensively in international tournaments the past months and have done well. Treat is coming off a semifinal stint in Wimbledon and Ruben just won an ITF Futures tournament in France. Nino and Jeson have been very active also. Of course, we have the home court and home crowd advantage, as well. The goal is to move back to Group 1 of Asia Oceania Davis Cup competitions and I like our chance of achieving that,” said Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine Davis Cup team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier.
The Philippines and Chinese Taipei have met in seven previous encounters, with the Filipinos holding a slim 4-3 advantage, but have lost the last three ties. The winner of this second-round Davis Cup match will face the winner of the Thailand-Vietnam tiff for the right to move to Group 1 of Asia-Oceania next year.
Meanwhile, Huey is eager to bounce back after falling short in Wimbledon.
Huey had a dream run, reaching the men’s doubles’ semifinals of the prestigious tournament with Max Mirnyi before bowing out to french duo Pierre-Hagues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut in the championship match.
Now, he is raring to continue his stellar run of performance in the Davis Cup slated July 15 to 17.
“I’ve gained a lot of confidence (after Wimbledon) and I think it’s going to be an exciting match especially that we lost to them last year,” said the Fil-American Huey on Tuesday at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum in Shakey’s Malate.
Asked about his boys’ preparations for the Davis Cup, non-playing captain Carl Sta. Maria said: “I don’t think they can be more ready than what they are right now. They are match-fit, tournament-fit.”