Luck of the draw will be crucial

PALEMBANG — Head coach Chris Cuarto is banking on a favorable draw for the Filipino athletes to boost their medal prospects as the 18th Asian Games tennis tournament unfolds on Monday with the singles competitions at the Jakabaring Sports City courts here.

“First of all we would we will trying for a good draw, which is our No. goal,” said Cuarto, who has been at the helm of the PHL squad since the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. “The Asian Games field is very high so having a favorable draw helps.”

Seeing action in men’s singles are Jeson Patrombon, Francis Casey “Nino” Alcantara, Alberto Lim Jr. while Fil-German Katharina Lehnart and Marian Jade Capadocia are competing in the women’s division, and whose draws or pairings were held on Sunday.

Also kicking off on Monday is the mixed doubles round-of-32 with Alcantara partnering with Lehnart and Capadocia teaming up with either Lim or Patrombon.

“I think we have a good chance at medal in the mixed doubles with the tandem of Alcantra and Lehnart,” Cuarto said, “although I would be happy if any of our players or teams reach the semifinals.”

The last time that the country won in the Asian Games tennis tournament was in the 2010 Guangzho Asiad when Fil-Am Cecil Mamiit took the men’s singles bronze then teamed up with fellow Fil-Am Eric Taino in bagging another bronze in the men’s doubles.