RP Davis Cuppers seize 2-0 lead vs New Zealand

The Philippines did not give visiting New Zealand the famous Filipino hospitality, at least on the red clay court of the PCA, as the RP netters swept the opening singles of their Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone Group II Final tie Friday. Treat Conrad Huey did not disappoint the gallery that included Pinky Abellada, daughter of former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino, as he pulled off a 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-0, retired victory over the Kiwis' top player Daniel King-Turner.

Huey made King-Turner overwork by alternating his power shots and drop shots. In the end, the 25-year-old World No. 325 King-Turner called it quits in the fourth set due to massive left leg cramps and exhaustion. King-Turner, who also had 10 service aces, was later brought to the hospital to have his leg examined. “I did what I could and gave everything for this match," said Huey, who himself was physically drained during the contest that lasted two hours and 19 minutes. “For me, being No. 2 and beating the No. 1 player is a boost and an advantage for us." RP No. 1 Cecil Mamiit made sure the advantage would stay with the host country as he taught Jose Statham a neat lesson with a 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 straight-set victory. The twin victories moved the country to within a win from clinching the tie and earning back a seat in Group I next year. The Philippines could wrap up the best-of-five tie in the doubles match Saturday with Johnny Arcilla and Elbert Anasta nominated to play King-Turner and GD Jones. The team captains of both countries, however, could still change players an hour before the 1 p.m. match. “We did not expect to be up 2-0. Treat pulled off that big win and also got the help of the hot weather while Cecil played his heart out and showed his experience," said a jubilant RP non-playing team captain Chris Cuarto. King-Turner served and won the first game of the contest but Huey broke him in the third game while holding serve in the second and fourth games to move up at 3-1. He managed to protect that two-game lead for a 6-4 win. King-Turner gamely held on in the second set and rallied from a 2-4 score in the tiebreak to level the match. But he was affected by the scorching heat inside the venue that the cool vest he put on during the break hardly helped him. He had his left thigh massaged and wrapped in ice during the break and after the second set, it was evident that his injury had worsened. The Kiwi No. 1 player had problems chasing the ball in the third set and after his 24-year-old rival opened a 3-0 lead, King-Turner sued for medical help. That helped him fight on but after Huey fired his first service opening the fourth set, King-Turner grimaced in pain after making a step, eventually deciding to retire from the match. Except for a second set struggle, Mamiit was in total control of the match against Statham as he displayed his powerful serve and had great control of the ball. “I was not expecting to win by straight sets but that was the intent because I don’t want to stay long in the court," said Mamiit. “Today was our day and we took that advantage. I played very well, I served well, felt the ball well, got the support of the crowd and it was a great feeling. I just hope more crowds will watch as we try to close out the tie." No reason to celebrate A 2-0 lead, according to Cuarto, was a big advantage but not enough reason to celebrate since the RP Cuppers still needed to win one of their last three matches. After the doubles, the reverse singles would be played Sunday. “We can’t celebrate yet because we still have to win tomorrow. I don’t know if King-Turner can play but we will prepare thinking he will play for his team," Cuarto said. New Zealand’s non-playing team captain James Greenhalgh did not give a comment on the singles matches but hoped that King-Turner would be in shape for the crucial doubles match. “We still don’t know because we had his calf looked at in the hospital. We’ll know by tomorrow (Saturday) if he can suit up," said Greenhalgh. - GMANews.TV