Teenager kicks off PH Davis Cup bid, faces Indonesian No. 1 Susanto

Alberto Lim Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

It’s Alberto Lim Jr. who is making his debut in the Davis Cup this weekend, but Treat Huey is more excited for the 17-year-old—and the new combination of the Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine team.

“We have a great team,” said the 31-year-old Huey. “Great having a new member (Lim). He’s a very bright future for us and Philippine tennis.”

A PH Cupper since 2009, Huey said he’s excited over the “new mix” in the team that he hopes could spring the country to the elite Group 1 in Asia/Oceania after languishing in Group 2 the past six years.

“Starting this year moving forward it’s great to have two veterans, me and Ruben (Gonzales), and two younger guys,” added Huey who will be feted on Sunday by the International Tennis Federation for his commitment to Davis Cup.

Lim will have his baptism of fire on Friday following the draw ceremony Thursday held at Philippine Columbian Association in Paco, Manila.

He will take on Indonesia’s top player David Agung Susanto in the first opening singles.
Ruben Gonzales will face Aditya Hari Sasongko in the second singles.

Francis Casey Alcantara also lauded Lim’s youthful spirit which he said rubs off on the members of the PH team.
“We are in the rebuilding stage once again,” said the 2009 Australian Open juniors doubles champion. “And AJ is doing well in practice, he’s pumped up and excited.”

Alcantara and Huey will play in Saturday’s doubles match, while Lim and Gonzales switch opponents in the reverse singles the following day.

“We were the ones who made the change, if you can call it that,” said PH non-playing team captain Karl Santamaria of his decision to make the young, untested Lim front and center of the campaign.

“We already know who their singles players will be. But you know this is a team event, it’s all about matchups. And we feel that this is our best matchup,” added Santamaria.

Though looking surprised by the outcome of the draw, Lim said he has “nothing to lose playing somebody who is older and with ATP rank (739).”

“I will just give my best,” said Lim. “I trust my teammates I know we will win this tie.”