PH Davis Cuppers sweep Kuwait

THE ROAD back to the elite Group 1 just cleared up for the Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine Davis Cup team.

Jeson Patrombon and Francis Casey Alcantara unleashed their A-games even in the insignificant reverse singles yesterday to complete the Filipinos’ 5-0 victory over Kuwait in their Asia-Oceania tie at Valle Verde Country Club.

Patrombon disposed of Abdulhamin Mubarak, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, while Alcantara crushed Ali Ghareeb, 6-2, 6-1. It was the Philippines’ third straight win over Kuwait.

Team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier said that the team is ready to take on the challenge to reach Group 1.

“I strongly believe our team has got what it takes to move back to group 1 next year,” said Lhuillier, who is also chair of the Philippine Tennis Association.

Karl Santamaria, on his first stint as non-playing captain, said the country is looking at playing all the remaining ties at home. A win over Chinese Taipei in July will send the Filipinos either against Indonesia or Thailand in the promotional tie for the elite level.

Jeson Patrombon and Ruben Gonzales fired the Philippines’ opening salvo in Friday’s singles with contrasting wins over Abdulrahman Alawadhi (6-0, 6-2, 6-1), and Mohammad Al Ghareeb (7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 1-6, 6-7 (8-6), 5-5 (retired).

Huey and Alcantara then dealt the knockout blow with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 thrashing of Abdulhamin Mubarak and Abdulrahman Alawadhi, last Saturday.