THE CEBUANA Lhuillier-Philippine Davis Cup team has a brand new nonplaying captain.
In the quest to finally break into the elite Group 1 in tough Asia/Oceania division, tennis officials named collegiate coach Karl Santamaria as the new skipper for the team.
His appointment underscored the shift to a younger generation of PH Cuppers now starring Francis Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon to go along with seasoned veterans Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales.
“We are hoping that his coaching experience and success in the past can help give spark to the team,” said Philippine Tennis Association chair Jean Henri Lhuillier. “We are all looking forward to a successful campaign this 2016 as we aim to be promoted to Group 1.”
The Philippines played in Group 1 in 2010 and 2011 but has since languished in Group 2 after several heartbreaks in promotional ties.
The 36-year-old Santamaria won the UAAP title for the University of Santo Tomas from 2002 to 2011. He transferred to National University starting 2012 and steered the Bulldogs to championships from 2012 to 2015.
He also had stints as coach in the Southeast Asian Games, Fed Cup and World Juniors.