Francis Casey ALCANTARA. Photo from ITFTennis.com
KUALA LUMPUR — Francis Casey Alcantara wants his revenge over the dreaded Thai twins, who spoiled it for the Philippine men’s team two years ago.
To be paired with Ruben Gonzales this time, Alcantara said he would like to finally win the men’s doubles gold against current champs Sanchai Ratiwatana and Sonchat Ratiwatana of Thailand.
The twins derailed Alcantara and Treat Huey in the semifinals, before frustrating Gonzales and Jeson Patrombon in the finals.
“We want some revenge from our loss,” said Alcantara as tennis competition starts Monday at national Tennis Center, Sports Complex Jalan Duta.
Huey won’t see action but Alcantara tried to downplay it by saying the team, including novice AJ Lim, is ready because it has been playing all year long.
The women’s team will be composed of Katharina Lehnert, Denise Dy, Clarice Patrimonio and Khim Iglupas.
Huey and Dy won the mixed doubles, which was the country’s only gold medal to show in Singapore SEA Games.
“Treat is not here so our chances are affected in mixed,” admitted top tennis official Romy Magat who said Dy will be paired with either Alcantara or Gonzales.
There won’t be team tie event this time, and Alcantara said that would alleviate the absence of Huey who is ranked in in the top 50 in doubles.