All set for second staging of Davis Cup at Plantaion Bay tennis court

LAPU-LAPU City Mayor Paz Radaza and Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) president Randy Villanueva gathered yesterday for the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone Group 1 knockout tie at the Plantaion Bay Resort and Spa.

Lapu-Lapu already hosted the event last March when the Philippine netters faced Japan in a Davis Cup Asia/Oceana Group 1 tie. The Pinoys, headed by Cecil Mamiit and Treat Huey,  lost that match.

“The return of Davis Cup to Lapu-Lapu City is a testament that our investment in sports tourism is now bearing fruit,” said Mayor Radaza.

This time, the Philippines take on Chinese Taipei on Sept. 16, 17 and 18, at the court of Plantation Bay.  This tie is crucial because it is the last stop for the Group 1 teams. If the Philippines lose, it goes to Group 2.

Joining Radaza and Villanueva yesterday were Lapu-Lapu City councilor Harry Radaza, who is also the city’s sports commission chairman, Plantation Bay Resort general manager Efren Belarmino, regional manager of Cebuana Lhuilier Anton Arieta and John Pages, the appointed chairman of Davis Cup Cebu.

Tickets are sold at P500 for three days or P200 per day. P5,000 is pegged for VIP seats at ringside also for three days. Councilor Radaza expects more spectators this time since  tickets are cheaper compared to the previous event. /CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA and mars alison