MANILA -- Host Philippines and Thailand split their opening singles in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 2 semifinal tie at the indoor clay court of the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) in Paco, Manila on Saturday.
Jeson Patrombon won the first singles over Jirat Navasirisomboon, 6-2, 6-2, while Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul downed John Bryan Decasa Otico, 6-3, 6-4, in the second singles match.
The 25-year-old Patrombon fired three aces against Navasirisomboon, the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) singles silver medalist, who had three double faults.
"I had a good match today," said Patrombon, who hails from Iligan City , and is currently No. 1485 in the world's singles rankings.
"I am also determined to get back at him," he added.
Last year, Navasirisomboon defeated Patrombon, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-1, 6-1, during the semifinal round at the National Tennis Development Center hard court in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The Thais won the tie, 5-0.
Patrombon was in complete control of the first set where he posted a 5-1 lead. He sustained his momentum in the second set to finish the match in 67 minutes.
Meanwhile, Otico tried his best against the towering Trongcharoenchaikul, who is ranked No. 433 in the singles and No. 693 in the doubles.
The 6-foot-3 Trongcharoenchaikul, who won the singles bronze medal in the 2017 SEAG, dished out 14 aces to clinch the match in one hour and 10 minutes. (PNA)
