Netters seek SEAG rebound

MANILA, Philippines - Despite its loss to Chinese Taipei in their Asia-Oceania Davis Cup relegation tie, the national tennis team remains upbeat of its chances in the 26th Southeast Asian Games slated Nov. 11-25 in Palembang and Jakarta, Indonesia.

“That’s our next goal after the Davis Cup, win the country some gold medals in the SEA Games,” said Fil-Am Cecil Mamiit after their 2-3 setback to the Taiwanese in Cebu last Sunday.

Joining Mamiit in the SEAG squad are fellow Davis Cuppers Treat Huey, Ruben Gonzalez and youthful Jeson Patrombon in the men’s side along with another Fil-Am Dennis Lajola, who made it to the team after a member of the women’s squad, Riza Zalameda, injured her shoulder.

The women’s team, however, will have to do with a three-player roster composed of Hawaii-based Fil-Am Denise Dy and sisters Clarice and Christine Patrimonio.

The addition of the 22-year-old Lajola is expected to firm up the country’s bid in the biennial event which stakes seven gold medals – men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, men’s and women’s team and mixed doubles.

Mamiit and Huey led the Phl’s two gold, three silver and five bronze-medal haul in the last SEAG in Laos.

“I see a bright future for the Phl tennis in the next two years because we have a lot of young players who we can rotate in international competitions like the Davis Cup, SEA Games and Asian Games,” said the 35-year-old Mamiit.

He was referring to the 18-year-old Patrombon, a former junior standout who reached as far as No. 7 in the world, and Lajola, who played for the US Junior Davis Cup team years ago and is now ranked 933rd in the Association of the Tennis Professional circuit.

Patrombon closed out Phl’s losing stand in the Davis Cup by beating world No. 389 Jimmy Wang, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, in a non-bearing reverse singles match.

“He will be a vital part in the team in future international tournaments,” said Mamiit referring to Patrombon.