Philippines eyes 3 SEA Games tennis gold medals

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine tennis is eyeing three gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games set in Indonesia Nov. 11 to 25.

Philippine Tennis Association vice president for men’s and women’s teams Randy Villanueva said the country has strong title chances in the men’s singles, men’s doubles and men’s team event.

Tennis action starts on Nov. 13 in Palembang.

“Realistically, we have big chances in those events because of Cecil Mamiit who is the SEA Games men’s singles champion for three straight times,” said Villanueva.

Mamiit and Treat Huey are also expected to deliver in men’s doubles. Huey is ranked 59th in world doubles.

Also in the men’s team are Ruben Gonzales, Jeson Patrombon and newcomer Dennis Lajola, an ITF Futures finalist and semifinalist from Hawaii.

The women’s team is composed of PH No. 1 Anna Clarice Patrimonio, Marian Jade Capadocia and Denise Dy. Former SEA Games champ Riza Zalameda is bothered by injury, according to Villanueva, who added that Huey is likely to pair with Dy in mixed doubles.

The Philippines won two gold medals, three silvers and five bronzes two years ago in Laos.