Injured Patrombon to miss Davis Cup tie against Pakistan

Jeson Patrombon's latest injury will force the 18-year-old netter to miss the Philippines' second round tie against Pakistan in the 2012 Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group II playoffs. Patrombon helped the Philippines complete a 5-0 sweep of Pacific Oceania last February winning both of his singles matches against Pacific Oceania's Cyril Jacobe and Aymeric Mara. The Philippines, ranked 40 in the world, will be facing 54th-ranked Pakistan from April 6 to 8 at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) tennis grounds in Quirino Avenue, Manila. "We brought Jeson to the doctor for treatment of the ankle injury he sustained in the first leg of the Japan circuit. The good news is the doctor said that Jeson will fully recover in two weeks time but unfortunately, he will not be ready for the Davis Cup against Pakistan," said Patrombon's coach Manny Tecson. The Philippines series against Pakistan is crucial, as the winner of the match will face the winner of the Indonesia-Thailand series in the third round. The team that prevails in the third round will be promoted to Group I in 2013. The Philippines has been a part of Group I for the past two years before losing three consecutive series against Japan, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei to get relegated to Group II. Philippine team veteran Cecil Mamiit is expected to re-join the Davis Cup team composed of Johnny Arcilla, Ruben Gonzales and Treat Huey to face Ageel Khan and Aisam Quareshi of Pakistan. Coach Tecson, however, assured that Patrombon will be back in time for the third round: "Definitely, Jeson will be ready to play in the next round of the Davis Cup Group II against Thailand or Indonesia when the Philippines beat Pakistan this April." With the Philippine team expected to beat Pakistan, Patrombon is set to stay busy with other tournaments leading to his Davis Cup return. "Our plan is to compete in two Vietnam Men's Futures legs this April 9-23 to build up confidence, ATP points, and matches towards the next Davis Cup tie," said Tecson. — JVP, GMA News