LAPU-LAPU City – This time the Philippine Davis Cup team hopes Lady Luck will be on its side.
Twice beaten here, the Filipino netters are leaving no stones unturned when they meet Syria in their Asia-Oceania Group II tie that begins on Friday at the shell-clay courts of the picturesque Plantation Bay Spa and Resort.
The Filipinos lost both their Group I ties here in 2011 against Asian powers Chinese-Taipei (3-2) and Japan (3-1) during the final year of stalwart Cecil Mamiit with the team.
The double whammy sent the country reeling back to Group II of the premier international team event in men's tennis.
But the PH netters are out to avenge those two losses against an opponent whose country is in the midst of a civil strife.
“Gusto na talaga naming manalo pagtapos matalo ng dalawang beses dito,” said longtime Davis Cup PH member Johnny Arcilla. “Kaya todo ang preparasyon namin ngayon.”
Aside from the 33-year-old Arcilla, others comprising the PH squad are Treat Huey, Ruben Gonzales, and Elbert Anasta.
Syria, which is playing in Group II for two straight years now, is bannered by Marc Abdelnour, a Syrian-Canadian, Issam Tawil, Yacoub Makzoume and Majdi Salim. Feras Dahbos is the non-playing team captain.
PH team non-playing captain Roland Kraut has yet to reveal the possible lineup for the opening singles prior to the drawing of lots set Thursday at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall.
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