PH Cuppers split opening singles

Team Philippines split its opening singles matches with Thailand on Saturday after Jeson Patrombon summoned the talent that once made him the country’s most promising player to trip Jirat Navasirisomboon and cushion the impact of young Bryan Otico’s loss in their Davis Cup tie.

The 26-year-old Patrombon never allowed Navasirisomboon to get into his game, driving winners to the Thai’s brittle backhand to score a masterful 6-2, 6-2 victory in the morning at the shell courts of Philippine Columbian Association in Manila.

“I know his weakness because I played him before, and good thing I got my game early in the match,” said Patrombon, who once reached No. 9 in the world in boy’s singles.

But 18-year-old Otico was not as successful as Thai No. 1 Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul pummeled the Filipino, 6-3, 6-4, at high noon to level the count in the Asia Oceania Group 2 semifinals.

Now the country is hoping the doubles team of Francis Casey Alcantara and Johnny Arcilla can deliver the go-ahead win on Sunday.

“It’s still a good start for us, we are confident of our chances going into Sunday’s rubbers,” said Philippine non-playing captain Chris Cuarto.