Huey, Mamiit open Pinoy Cuppers’ bid vs Kiwis

Fil-Am netters Treat Conrad Huey and Cecil Mamiit jumpstart the Philippines’ campaign in the singles matches of the Filipinos’ Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone Group II final against New Zealand Friday at the PCA courts in Manila. Huey takes on Daniel King-Turner in the first singles at 10 a.m. while Mamiit battles Jose Statham in the second singles at 1 p.m., hoping to give the hosts the headstart in the tie that will reward the winners with a Group I slot next year. “It’s a good draw," said RP non-playing captain Christ Cuarto, whose wards reached the Group II finals after drubbing Hong Kong, 4-1, and Pakistan, 3-2, in the first two rounds. “This was the same draw we had against Pakistan and Treat is now used to playing first," he added during Thursday's draw ceremony at the Century Park Hotel. Huey, for his part, expressed confidence he can get the Philippines off to a good start against the Kiwis. The last time he touched off hostilities for RP, Huey scored a 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 win over Pakistan’s Aqeel Khan, setting the tone for their 3-2 conquest. “I have seen him (Turner) play but this is our first time to play each other. I’m really excited to play. I have been playing well the past months and I’m hoping I can give our campaign a good start," said Huey, whose confidence was boosted by his recent doubles victory in a tournament in Seville, Spain with Indian Harsh Mankad of India. The Philippines has nominated veteran Johnny Arcilla and newcomer Elbert Anasta for Saturday’s doubles against New Zealand’s Turner and G.D. Jones. However, a change of players can still be made an hour before the match, and Huey and Mamiit might yet be tapped for the crucial doubles competitions. The reverse singles will be played Sunday with Mamiit against Turner at 10 am and Huey versus Jose Statham at 1 pm. New Zealand’s non playing team captain James Greenhalgh claimed the Filipinos enjoy all the advantages in this tie, from the hot weather to the slower playing court to crowd support, but he expected his players, all pros, to rise above adversity. “It’s hot here. The court is also different from the shell courts we have seen and played in," said Greenhalgh. “(But) they are all professional players and it’s their job to play. They have traveled the world and have played in all kinds of condition. This is also not the first time they will play in the heat and I believe they can handle the conditions." The winner of the RP-New Zealand tie will advance into Group I next year and the loser will remain in Group II. - GMANews.TV