The Philippines continued its flawless run in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV after a commanding 3-0 sweep of Qatar on Thursday.
This strengthened its bid for promotion in Group B action held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Arthur Craig Pantino opened the tie with a tight battle against Qatar’s Mubarak Alharrasi. The Filipino held firm under pressure, edging out the Qatari in a tense first set before finishing strong for a 7-6, 6-3.
“Pantino being fresh, took on a very tough No,. 2 player from Qatar and played a point per point 1st match which lasted until the end of the tie break set,” Coach Joseph Lizardo said.
READ: PH men’s tennis team continues Davis Cup win vs Kuwait
“Iggy was solid and focused to win his very first-ever Davis Cup match in his career. This is one of his dream goal. He represented PTA and his late coach Jun Toledo. Match was dedicated to all of them specially to his family.”
In the second singles match, Alberto Lim delivered a clinical performance against Mossa Alharrasi, dominating from start to finish to claim a 6-1, 6-2 victory and secure the tie for the Filipino side.
To cap off the sweep, Francis Casey Alcantara and Eric Jr. Olivarez teamed up in doubles to dismantle the Qatari pair of Ghanim Al Sulaiti and Issa Alharrasi in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0.
This follows the Philippine team’s back-to-back sweeps of Pacific Oceania and Kuwait.
“Conditions the past two days have finally taken its toll to almost all participants,” Lizardo said.
“It was 2 degrees hotter today than yesterday and will be warm again tomorrow. Not ideal for tennis for sure but we are ready,” he added.
With their perfect record, the Philippines now advances to tomorrow’s all-important promotional playoff, where they will battle for a coveted spot in Group III.
“The whole entire team is motivated and hungry to keep climbing up in the Davis cup ladder,” Lizard shared.