MANILA, Philippines – The Davis Cup-Asia Oceania Zone Group I first round tie between the Philippines and Japan that starts tomorrow at the Plantation Bay Resorts and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City has generated so much interest that tickets for the opener are nearly sold out, Philippine Davis Cup administrator Randy Villanueva said yesterday.

“(The tickets) are practically sold out,” Villanueva said.

The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) said 1,500 tickets were available for the match, and 1,200 have been taken. The remaining 300, he said, will be reserved for walk in patrons.

The tickets were being sold at P500 for a one-day free seating, which is located at the farthest rafters, while P2,500 were charged for the three-day, reserved season pass, which is inclusive of a shirt and a cap.

For VIPs, the tickets are pegged at P5,000, which is also inclusive of a shirt and cap.

With the apparently warm reception of fans, the PH team is confident it can finally emerge victorious over a Japanese side which has beaten them three straight.

“The crowd will definitely play a big role in our campaign, just like in any other home-and-away tournaments. We’re hoping that more people will come and support the squad,” Villanueva said.

The PH squad is composed of Cecil Mamiit, Treat Huey, Johnny Arcilla, Elbert Anasta and alternate player Patrick John Tierro.

Japan, on the other hand, has Tatsuma Ito, Go Soeda, Suichi Yugita and Takao Suzuki.

Except for Anasta, the three PH netters, along with Francis Casey Alcantara, bowed to the same Japanese team in the opening round in March last year, 0-5, in Osaka.

The Filipinos yielded to the Taiwanese, 1-4, in Kaoshiung last July but outplayed South Korea, 3-2, in Changwon last September to keep their Group I seat.

After winning over the PH team, Japan lost to powerhouse Australia, led by Lleyton Hewitt, 0-5, last May.

Kristel Satumbaga, Manila Bulletin