Cebu’s hosting praised

The Davis Cup in Plantation Bay is fast gaining lofty reviews from members of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the world governing body for tennis.

Randy Villanueva, Philippine Davis Cup administrator, disclosed this yesterday during the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) by the Philippine Tennis Association, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa and the Lapu-Lapu City government for the hosting of the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group 2 finals.

Happening on Sept. 13, 14 and 15, the international tennis tournament will pit the Philippines against New Zealand with the winner advancing to Group 1 for a chance to join the elite World Group.

Villanueva said that he participated in an ITF event three weeks ago attended by representatives from 300 other nations where the Cebu hosting gained widespread praise.

“Davis Cup in Plantation Bay was mentioned as one of the good examples on how to host the event. ITF representatives are hoping they will be chosen to come here for the event,” Villanueva said.

He added that New Zealand players are also excited to come here and their ambassador even confirmed his attendance for the event.

“It would be nice to have someone that important from their country coming here for the event,” Villanueva said.

Nenette Castillon, acting General Manager of Plantation Bay who will be replacing outgoing general manager Efren Belarmino, assured that whatever projects that were started by Belarmino will be continued and improved.

The resort’s hosting of the Davis Cup is the brainchild of Belarmino, who will remain connected with the resort as a marketing consultant.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said that she fully supports the event and having Castillon onboard will make the city’s partnership with the resort merrier.

Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Don Radaza said that they will come up with gimmicks to make the event more enjoyable.

According to Villanueva, the court of the Philippine Columbian Association used to be the favorite court of the Philippine Davis Cup team. Now it is the shell clay court of the Plantation Bay.

PH LINEUP STILL A MYSTERY

Meanwhile, the country’s final lineup will be submitted on Sept. 3 yet because the coaches wanted to observe players seeing action in the Olivarez Open which is ongoing in Manila.

He said that favorites to man the team are still Johnny Arcilla, Ruben Gonzales, Treat Conrad Huey and Francis “Casey” Alcantara.

But the national coaches are also taking into consideration Fil-Italian Marc Reyes, PJ Tiero, Jeson Patrombon and Elbert Anasta.

“We are so fortunate that we are having the finals here because we have all these players available,” Villanueva said.

With the familiarity of the court and the homecrowd support, Villanueva said that the Philippines is favored by other countries to advance to Group 1.