PH Davis Cuppers sweep Kuwait

THE ROAD back to the elite Group 1 just cleared up for the Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine
Davis Cup team.
Jeson Patrombon and Francis Casey Alcantara unleashed their A-games even in the
insignificant reverse singles yesterday to complete the Filipinos’ 5-0 victory over
Kuwait in their Asia-Oceania tie at Valle Verde Country Club.
Patrombon disposed of Abdulhamin Mubarak, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, while Alcantara crushed
Ali Ghareeb, 6-2, 6-1. It was the Philippines’ third straight win over Kuwait.
Team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier said that the team is ready to take on the challenge
to reach Group 1.
“I strongly believe our team has got what it takes to move back to group 1 next
year,” said Lhuillier, who is also chair of the Philippine Tennis Association.
Karl Santamaria, on his first stint as non-playing captain, said the country is
looking at playing all the remaining ties at home. A win over Chinese Taipei in
July will send the Filipinos either against Indonesia or Thailand in the promotional
tie for the elite level.
Jeson Patrombon and Ruben Gonzales fired the Philippines’ opening salvo in Friday’s
singles with contrasting wins over Abdulrahman Alawadhi (6-0, 6-2, 6-1), and Mohammad
Al Ghareeb (7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 1-6, 6-7 (8-6), 5-5 (retired).
Huey and Alcantara then dealt the knockout blow with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 thrashing of
Abdulhamin Mubarak and Abdulrahman Alawadhi, last Saturday.
Source: sports.inquirer.net