Davis Cup singles key in PH-Pakistan duel

MANILA, Philippines — Doubles will be exciting, but the singles will be the key.

Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine Davis Cup team captain Roland Kraut said that while it’s a toss-up between the host and Pakistan in doubles, it is in the singles where the Filipinos can gain in the Davis Cup Group 2 semifinal tie at Philippine Columbian Association in Paco, Manila.

Off-hand, Kraut said he remained undecided who among Ruben Gonzales, Patrick John Tierro and Johnny Arcilla will play in Friday’s opening singles.

“It’s a good problem for us because anybody can play well,” said Kraut referring to seven-time PCA Open champion Arcilla and Philippine Futures semifinalists Tierro and Gonzales.

He said they don’t mind who plays first which will be decided in today’s draw of lots slated at 10 a.m., at Parañaque City Hall.

Kraut said the doubles will be the crowd-pleaser with Treat Huey (world No. 25), Gonzales (No. 164) and Aisam Qureshi (No. 27)  playing.