PH Cuppers expect tough test vs Taipei

THE CEBUANA-Lhuillier Philippine Davis Cup team is expecting an uphill battle against Chinese Taipei when they collide in the Asia/Oceania Group 2 battle from July 17 to 19 in Kaohsiung.

The Taiwanese will bank on World No. 61 Lu Yen-hsun, who will be the squad’s top player once again. The 31-year-old Lu was instrumental in Chinese Taipei’s 5-0 rout of Lebanon in the first round.

Also in the Chinese Taipei lineup are 25-year-old Hung Jui-chen, Peng Hsien-yin and Lee Hsin-han. Tsai Chia-yen is non-playing captain.

The Filipinos will rely on Jeson Patrombon, Patrick John Tierro, Ruben Gonzales and Treat Huey. Roland Kraut will be the non-playing captain.

The PH team flies to Chinese Taipei over the weekend.

PH Davis Cup administrator Randy Villanueva said the country will play before an expected hostile crowd in Chinese Taipei. But it wasn’t something that worries the team, he said.

“We are very prepared and the players are motivated to play, these players are seasoned veterans who play in different parts of the world,” said Villanueva.

The Philippines used to dominate the Taiwanese in the sport, winning the first four Davis Cup encounters. But the hosts have won the last two matchups.