Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Former world no. 9 juniors player Jeson Patrombon will kick off the Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippine Davis Cup team’s campaign when he goes up against Kuwait on Friday (March 4) at the Valle Verde Country Club.
Fresh from his stint in China, Patrombon will try to give the Philippine Cuppers an early advantage against the Kuwaitis when he takes on Abdulrahman Alawadhi at 3:00 p.m.
Veteran ace Ruben Gonzales will compete in the second singles match of the opening day when he challenges Kuwait’s Mohammad al-Ghareeb.
The 38-year-old Al-Ghareeb shot to fame during the round of 16 of the 2006 Dubai Tennis Championship, when he gave a commendable performance against tennis icon Roger Federer.
With the draw set, Philippine Davis Cup Team Manager Jean Henri Lhuillier was bullish about his side’s prospects.
“This is the strongest Davis Cup team we have in recent years. I feel very confident on our chances of taking a 2-0 lead on the first day,” said Lhuillier.
“I strongly believe Jeson and Ruben will deliver as they are fresh from having strong results playing in Asia and South America, respectively,” he added.
World no. 30 in men’s doubles Treat Huey is slated to headline the Philippines’ doubles team on Saturday (March 5), and if Lhuillier had his way, the tie would be wrapped up with a victory on Saturday.
“The goal is to win both singles matches and finish off the match in the doubles on Saturday with Treat Huey bannering our doubles team,” Lhuillier added.
Related: Complete’ Philippine team set for 2016 Davis Cup opener against Kuwait
