New Zealand has started their Davis Cup tie against the Philippines in the best possible way, with a 2-0 lead after day one of the Asia/Oceania Group II promotion clash in Lapu-Lapu City.
In a see-saw contest New Zealand No 2 Michael Venus was able to defeat Philippines No 1 Ruben Gonzales in five sets on the clay court service, despite being down a match point in the fourth set and a being behind in the fourth set tiebreak. Venus eventually won the match 6-4 3-6 6-4 6-7(4) 6-0.
Kiwi No 1 Rubin Statham then played out a good match to overcome severe body cramp and Johnny Arcilla, a clay court specialist, in straight sets to give the Kiwis a great start to the tie and making team captain Alistair Hunt a satisfied man.
"I'm obviously really wrapped for the team,'' Hunt said. ``It was a roller coaster day. Mike Venus put in a massive effort saving a match point in the fourth set, and coming back 2-4 down in that set tiebreaker.
"Rubin was playing a great match and was easily up two sets, when he succumbed to severe cramps. He somehow managed to grind through, started shortening up points and through a supreme effort managed to hold on to win in three.''
