FRANCIS Casey Alcantara and the rest of the national team promise to give Thailand a good fight.
This is because competitions in Bahrain and Qatar over the last three weeks have kept the national squad in shape for their coming encounter with the Thais starting today in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group 2 tie at the Philippine Columbian Association indoor courts.
“Preparations are okay. Galing kami sa mga tournaments sa Bahrain at sa Qatar. We have been together for the last two weeks,” said Alcantara.
Alcantara, who has been around for some time with the national squad, won’t be playing in the singles.
Instead, Jeson Patrombon and John Bryan Otico will be picked in today’s first two singles starting at 10 a.m.
During yesterday’s draw, Patrombon was picked to meet Jirat Navasirisomboon in the first singles, while Otico battles Wishaya Trongcharooencharakul.
The world no. 391-ranked Alcantara will join a much-experienced Johnny Arcilla in meeting the Ratiwatana twins Sanchai and Sonchat, who are expected to make an impression in the doubles.
Sanchai is ranked 101 in the world, while Sonchai is at no. 123, and Thailand wants to make a difference in the doubles with their presence.
The 26-year-old Alcantara acknowledges the experience that the Ratiwatanas have.
“They are more experienced with the many games that they have played. But we will try our best and give them a good fight,” added Alcantara.
Non-playing team captain Chris Cuarto believes that the team’s familiarity with the conditions of the shell court after three weeks of practice has made the squad ready for anything.
On Sunday, Otico takes on Navasirisomboon,while Patrombon will be pitted against Trongcharooencharakul.
