by Kristel Satumbaga
Matches Today (PCA Court)
1 p.m. – Ruben Gonzales vs David Susanto followed by AJ Lim vs Aditya Hari Sasongko
Treat Huey and Francis Casey Alcantara needed seven match points before besting David Susanto and Sunu-Wahyu Trijati, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4, yesterday as the Philippines took a 2-1 lead in its Asia Oceania Zone Group II Davis Cup tie against Indonesia at the Philippine Columbian Association shell-claycourt.
Huey and Alcantara had a chance to close it out in the ninth game of the third set with a quick 40-0 edge but their Indon rivals hung tough and held their serve to briefly breathe life in their campaign.
The PH pair regained their momentum going in the 10th game and with Huey serving, snared the match victory highlighted by two aces.
It was Huey and Alcantara’s sixth win as a pair, protecting their unbeaten record.
The doubles win was crucial in the PH campaign after AJ Lim retired to Susanto, 3-6, 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-1 (ret), and Ruben Gonzales prevailed over Aditya Hari Sasongko, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4, for a 1-1 score in the best-of-five tie.
It was also a fitting birthday present for Alcantara, who turned 25 yesterday.
“We’re happy with our win. Medyo natagalan lang in the third set, pero under control naman kami,” said Alcantara, a 2009 Australian Open Juniors doubles champion.
“It’s a good win for Niño and me, giving the team a 2-1 lead. Hopefully we can close it out (today) especially with Ruben (Gonzales) playing the first reverse singles,” said Huey.
The PH team had a hard time holding in the first set with Alcantara struggling with his serves and had stiff competition in third frame when Indonesia took a 3-2 lead.
But Huey and Alcantara snatched the next three games to grab the 5-3 upperhand and kept their composure despite Susanto and Trijati’s challenge.
The PH squad seeks to close out the tie in today’s reverse singles with Gonzales going up against Susanto first, followed by Lim against Sasongko.
