MANILA, Philippines – Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine Davis Cup will be banking on its solid crew and the so-called homecourt advantage as it seeks revenge against 2015 tormentor Chinese-Taipei in their Davis Cup tie beginning tomorrow at the Philippine Columbian Association in Plaza Dilao, Paco.

Meanwhile, the drawing of lots will be held at 10 a.m. today at the PCA with the opening singles set to start at 3 p.m. tomorrow. The doubles will be played on Saturday, also at 3 p.m. with the reverse singles slated on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Non-playing team captain Karl Santarmaria said the Filipinos will come out fighting in the meet sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier, Philippine Sports Commission, Yonex as official outfitter and Toby’s Sports as official stringer.

“We will do our part (for fans to come out and watch) by giving them something to cheer about, that I will guarantee to give them something they can be proud of,” said Santamaria. “Hopefully win can come with it.”

The Nationals will be composed of the same line-up that blanked the Kuwaitis, 5-0, last March with Fil-Am Treat Huey, coming off a semifinal finish in last week’s Wimbledon, bannering the squad.

Philippine Tennis Association chair and team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier said the team is ready, saying all are coming from impressive performances in the professional circuit.

Also back for another tour of duty are world-ranked doubles player Ruben Gonzales, former world juniors No. 9 Jeson Patrombon and 2009 Australian Open Juniors doubles champion Francis Casey Alcantara.

“I’m so excited about this match with Chinese Taipei. I’m confident we will do better this time as our players have been training and competing internationally the past months,” said Santamaria.

He added that though Chinese-Taipei boasts of higher-ranked players, the hosts remain a solid team as all members can both play singles and doubles.

Source: www.philstar.com