Treat pays tribute to Filipino fans

SINGAPORE—When the chips are down, Treat Huey finds an ally in the big Filipino crowd.

Serving for the match in the mixed doubles final, the 29-year-old Huey paused and asked the gallery to cheer.

“They really carried us to victory for sure,” said Huey of the Filipinos who trooped to Court 4 in the far corner of the Kallang Tennis Center to root for him and partner Denise Dy.

Huey and Dy won the championship point at love and then hugged each other by the net after defending the crown they won together four years ago in Indonesia.

“It feels really good, Filipino people coming out here for us. It’s great playing with them cheering for you in the background,” added Huey after their 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 victory over Thai pair Sonchat Ratiwatana and Peangtarn Plipuech.

Huey came into Singapore fresh from double title in Estoril, Portugal with American partner Scott Lipsky.

As the team pillar, Huey was under intense  pressure after the men’s team could only come up with a bronze, and his partnership with Francis Casey Alcantara could only place third in men’s doubles.

“The SEA Games is a tough tournament for sure, but we got some unbelievable game, and we enjoyed the company,” said Huey. “And when you get along so well, you play better.”