Source: Manila Bulletin

-- Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales walloped brothers Aqeel and Jalil Khan, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2, Saturday as the Philippines captured the Asia Oceania Zone Davis Cup Group II semifinal tie against Pakistan at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) clay court in Paco, Manila.

Teaming up for the first time, Huey and Gonzales overpowered their rivals with sharp serves and volley drops as the Filipinos clinched the best-of-five tie at 3-0 and reduced today's reverse singles into no-bearing three-set matches.

"We're really happy with the results. Everybody played well in this tie and we hope to continue this in future ties," said Huey, the team's No. 1 player.

The Filipino Cuppers never dropped a set over the last three matches with 32-year-old Johnny Arcilla setting up the tone in the opening match via a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over Aqeel Khan on Friday.

Huey, who joined the team in 2009, followed it up with a 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 triumph over Yasir Khan, the youngest of the Khan brothers.

It was the fifth tie win for the Filipinos over the last six meetings with the Pakistanis.

The last time was in 2009 also at the PCA with a 3-2 decision.

With today's matches reduced to a mere exhibition, non-playing team captain Roland Kraut said they willfield Francis Casey Alcantara instead of Huey in the first match against Aqeel Khan at 10 a.m. Arcilla collides with Yasir Khan at 1 p.m.

The Pakistan team might also change their lineup an hour before the first match.

Huey and Gonzales dictated the tempo of the match by holding their serve and breaking Pakistan's four times.

A forehand from Aqeel Khan that went straight to the net sealed the two-hour match in the Filipinos' favor.

The Filipinos will next collide with the winner between Southeast Asian foes Indonesia and Thailand in September.

Both squads entered Saturday's doubles match with an even 1-1 score.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

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