Arcilla’s experience vital to PH Cuppers

Johnny Arcilla will play a key role as the Philippines clashes with a formidable Thailand side in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group 2 tie starting on Saturday.

Or at least that’s what top Philippine Davis Cup official Martin Misa is hoping for.

“He knows the shell-clay courts of the PCA like the back of his hands,” said Misa. “He’s the winningest player in the PCA Open so we are banking on him a lot.”

The 38-year-old Arcilla last played for the Philippines in 2014, but the PH Cuppers are hoping he can weave his magic on the slow surface of the Philippine Columbian Association centercourt.

Arcilla won eight PCA Open singles titles and is that tournament’s most dominant player ever.

In 2013, the Butuan City native was awarded an ITF Commitment Award for playing in 29 Davis Cup ties, the most by any Filipino.

Counting this weekend, Arcilla will have played his 31st tie, a streak that started in 2000.

Known for his grinding baseline style, Arcilla has won 10 of 17 doubles matches and 17 of 33 singles matches in the Davis Cup.

Now he is counted upon to work wonders along with 2009 Australian Open junior doubles champ Francis Casey Alcantara.

“He’s the legend in this court so we hope we can use it to our advantage,” said Alcantara.

Yet more than that, Arcilla has been serving as team leader for the Filipino Cuppers.

“He gave us tips during our almost three weeks of training, so we are ready for the Thais now,” said the country’s No. 1 player Alberto Lim Jr.