Taiwanese win shy of taming Philippine rivals

LAPU-LAPU CITY—Yi Chu-huan and Lee Hsin-han reasserted their mastery over Cecil Mamiit and Treat Huey in the doubles as Chinese Taipei moved within a win of clinching the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group 1 relegation tie at the Plantation Bay Spa and Resort here.

The Taiwanese won, 3-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, 8-6, to grab a 2-1 lead going into today’s reverse singles that will again feature Mamiit and Huey.

But whether the two Fil-Ams would be up to the challenge is doubtful since their rivals had the luxury of rest the whole day Saturday.

“We feel excited. We played the host twice, including last year in Asian Games but this time they’re tougher,” said Lee, who teamed up with Yi in beating the PH aces in the 2010 Asian Games quarterfinals on their way to the bronze medal.

“It was a close fight but we have to give it to Chinese Taipei. They played well,” admitted PH playing team captain Mamiit.

“But we have another day. We still have a chance and I believe in my team.”

The country fell 0-2 last year against South Korea but fought back to win the last three matches and secure their place in Group 1 this year. The Philippines, supported by Accel, last played in Group 2 in 2009.

The 25-year-old Huey, the highest ranked doubles player in the tie at 59th, could not hide his disappointment after the loss.

“We were so close, but they got us. But sometimes that’s how it goes. We’ll give it our all tomorrow,” he said.”

Huey goes up against Chen Ti in the first reverse singles at 10 a.m. with Mamiit taking on Jimmy Wang in the second match.
Chen beat Mamiit, 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-3, in the opening match of the tie Friday before Huey gave the host country a 1-1 deadlock with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Wang.

The Mamiit-Huey partnership, which has not lost in the last three Davis Cup ties, opened up strong by easily wrapping up the first set, 6-3.

The Taiwanese leveled the match, 6-4, after breaking Huey’s serve in the 10th game that went through five deuces.

Huey and Mamiit broke Lee’s serve at the start of third set and eventually won, 6-2.

But the Taiwanese just won’t give up, holding on to their serves in the next set before breaking Mamiit’s serve for 5-3 and taking the next game at love.

With momentum on their side, the Taiwanese eventually wore the Filipinos in the fifth set.

“We don’t care if we play Group 1 or Group 2, we just want to play the match, point after point,” said Lee.