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JAPANESE
nonplaying captain Eiji Takeuchi was impressed with
Patrick John Tierro moments after the Filipino made
things difficult for Japan’s No. 1 Go Soeda Friday.
And the Japanese had some unsolicited
advice for the Filipino.
“Your young star [Tierro], he played so well. He could
be a much better player. You guys give him some money to
travel. Otherwise, you have to look for a sponsor for
him,” said Takeuchi.
The 22-year-old Tierro, unranked in the
world, took the 23-year-old Soeda, No. 202 in the world,
to the distance, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, in the first
singles match Friday.
Tierro was a late replacement for No. 2
Eric Taino, who suffered from flu-like symptoms a week
before the tie.
“I was playing a player ranked about 200
in the world and I played this well,” said Tierro.
“Sayang lang, nandun na kasi ako.”
Cecil Mamiit was happy with Tierro’s
performance.
“PJ played exceptionally well. Imagine,
if we won that match, we would have get it going,” said
Mamiit.
The Philippine team’s plan was for
Mamiit to play the reverse singles against Soeda, who
they assumed will be tired if the tie reached the
reverse singles play.
RP nonplaying team captain Martin Misa
said it was Mamiit who helped Tierro improve his game.
“Malaki ang tinutulong ni Cecil kay PJ
sa practice kaya lumaban talaga siya against Soeda,”
said Misa.
Misa echoed Takeuchi’s sentiments.
“We really need to expose our players
and have a more serious program like Japan. We are now
in Group I. Hindi na tayo nasa Group II and III na
kapareho natin ang programa,” Misa added. |
