On paper, the Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine Davis Cup team is the underdog.
The assessment, which came from non-playing captain Karl Santamaria, stemmed from the fact that Chinese Taipei has won the last three ties including one in 2011 when it was played on own court and preferred shell-clay surface.
“Their top player (Chen Ti) is ranked 226th in singles and 140th in doubles,” said Santamaria. “It will come down to execution on game day and catching up the breaks.”
Santamaria brought along Wimbledon doubles semifinalist Treat Huey, recent ITF France Futures 13 doubles champion Ruben Gonzales, Francis Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon in Tuesday’s PSA Forum at Shakeys Malate.
The Asia/Oceania Group 2 tie will be on July 15-17 at Philippine Columbian Association shell/clay courts. Drawing of lots will be on Thursday at 10 a.m.