Cecil Mamiit and Treat Huey lead the Philippine delegation in the first round of Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 against visitors Japan. The face off will be held in Plantation Bay, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on March 4-6, 2011.
Japan ranked 28th in the world will be considered as the favorite for this tie against 35th ranked Philippines. But with the help of the cheers from the crowd Team RP will have extra energy and motivation to win. The winning team will face the winner between New Zealand and Uzbekistan in the second round.
The last time the two teams have met was in March 7, 2010, also in the first round, where host Japan defeated team RP 5-0.
Asia/Oceania Group 1 also include teams from Australia, New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, and China, PR.
Davis Cup Trivia
Next tie
Philippines hosts Japan in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group I first round in 2011. The two nations have met on 26 previous occasions, with Japan holding a 17-9 edge.
Last tie
Philippines avoided relegation after an extraordinary away victory over Korea in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group I second round play-offs. The visitors trailed 0-2 after the opening day, but fought back strongly to win 3-2. It was just the second time that Philippines had successfully come back from 0-2 down.
History
Philippines was Eastern Zone champion in 1957, 1958, 1960 and 1964, but lost in the Interzonal semifinals on all four occasions. Philippines reached the World Group play-offs in 1991, although has never appeared in the competition's top tier.
Source: www.daviscup.com
