THE country’s No. 1, Cecil Mamiit, is not intimidated at all despite having to face highly-ranked opponents in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I relegation tie from April 11 to 13, and believes the duel would give them the chance to excel against tough opponents.

“We are not at all bothered. It is just rankings. This is our opportunity to shine,” Mamiit, currently ranked 517th in the world, said.

Mamiit is expected to go up against powerful Uzbek No. 1 Denis Istomin, ranked No. 156 in the world, in the tie set at the shell clay courts of the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA).

The Philippines-Uzbekistan draw ceremony is scheduled at 10 a.m. Thursday at the De Las Alas Hall of the PCA in Plaza Dilao, Manila.

Mamiit won a close one against Istomin in their only previous encounter, but it was in a doubles competition in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.

“We played them down the wire. It is going to be a tough match. They have been successful in tournaments abroad. But we will give them a really good match,” said Mamiit.

Eric Taino believes that the Uzbeks’ experience outside the Davis Cup will be an important factor despite the summer heat that look to favor the Filipinos.

“It is not that they will just go down and have a cramp. We expect them to be prepared with this kind of heat,” said Taino.

PJ Tierro and Johnny Arcilla join Mamiit and Taino in their quest to stay in Group I.

The first and second singles matches will be played Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The doubles will be played on Saturday at 1 p.m., while the reverse singles are scheduled Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Joining Istomin in the Uzbek side are Farrukh Dustov, Sarvar Ikramov and Vaja Uzakov.

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WORLD lightweight champion David Diaz is just waiting for Manny Pacquiao to sign the dotted line.

Nestea Beach Volley: Visayan favorites shine

Bacolod City—Defending champion University of the Visayas (UV) and three-time titlist Southwestern U (SWU) inched closer to a return trip to Boracay after posting convincing wins in the second day of the 12th Nestea Beach Volley National Circuit Visayas Elimination at the University of Saint La Salle.

SPECULATION has risen that communications mogul Manny V. Pangilinan may consider leaving his post as president of the Basketball Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP).

PUREFOODS superstar James Yap underscored his soaring popularity in the just-concluded balloting for starters of the North and South teams of this year’s All-Stars Game (ASG).

Justin Mihalik homered to cap Muntinlupa’s come-from-behind win over Tanauan City, 12-11, Wednesday at the start of the second round of hostilities of the 2008 Little League Philippine Series major league (11 to 12 years old division) boys’ baseball tournament at the Alabang Golf and Country Club field.

THE country’s No. 1, Cecil Mamiit, is not intimidated at all despite having to face highly-ranked opponents in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I relegation tie from April 11 to 13, and believes the duel would give them the chance to excel against tough opponents.

THE National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and the Asian Tour would have to look for a new venue for the 2009 Philippine Open because the fabled East course of Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, host venue the last three years, would undergo a major renovation very soon.

SINCE time immemorial, summer has always meant fun and games, beach fun, pool side pranks, and laughter to go with it.