Philippines begins bid to move up to Group I of Davis Cup Asia-Oceania in Indonesia tie

THE Philippine Davis Cup team begins its new bid to move back to Group I of the Asia Oceania Zone when it takes on Indonesia in the Group II opener next week.

The tie is set Feb. 3 to 5 at the Philippine Columbian Association shell-clay courts in Paco, Manila.

Treat Huey, ranked 22nd in the men’s doubles in the world, banners the host squad that includes Francis Casey Alcantara, Ruben Gonzales and junior netter Alberto Lim Jr.

Chinese Taipei beat the Philippines in the second round last year.

Alcantara is coming off a strong campaign last year that saw him move to world No. 875 in singles, Gonzales has been a force to reckon with in international doubles competitions with a ranking of No. 242, while Lim is ranked No. 35 in world juniors.

“We have assembled a very strong squad that is a combination of youth and experience. All of them have been competing a lot and have toughened up in international competitions and have been doing well,” said Davis Cup team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier.

“The goal is to win all our matches to move back to Asia-Oceana Group 1 next year and I strongly believe that this team has what it takes to accomplish the task,” he added.

Karl Santamaria is team captain while Martin Misa is the Philippine Davis Cup administrator.

Source: www.spin.ph