RP Cuppers battle NZ or Taiwan after 1st rd.

THE PHILIPPINES got a tough draw for next year’s Davis Cup ties with a possible early clash with previous tormentors Chinese Taipei or New Zealand.

In a draw completed Thursday during the Asian Tennis Federation general meeting in Dubai, the country will host Sri Lanka in the first round from March 6 to 8.

The Philippines beat Sri Lanka, 3-1, in Colombo early this year, but suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to a Aisam Qureshi-led Pakistan side in the next round, relegating the Filipinos to Group 2 in Asia Oceania for a fourth straight year.

If the country hurdles Sri Lanka, it will take on either Chinese Taipei or New Zealand which are playing in the Group 2 final.

Both dealt the Philippines stinging losses in the last two years, with the Kiwis prevailing, 3-2, at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Lapu Lapu City.

Philippine Davis Cup captain Roland Kraut said the country faces tall odds in the tournament but the Filipino Cuppers will be ready for any eventuality.

In the lower end of the bracket, Pakistan and Kuwait collide in the first round with the winner facing the victor between Iran and Indonesia.

The last time the Filipinos played in Group 1 was in 2011 when it absorbed losses from Japan, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei.

In 2012, the country reached Group 2 final but lost to Indonesia, 3-2, in the promotional tie.

Expected to see action for the Philippines are regulars Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales.