MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Davis Cuppers lined up for the Group I first-round tie against Pacific Oceania in February will have no choice but to step up now that Fil-American veteran Cecil Mamiit has been assigned as a non-playing captain.

Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) Vice President Randy Villanueva said that Treat Huey, another Fil-Am, must be ready to fill in the void left by the 35-year-old Mamiit.

“Malaking changes ang mangyayari with the team. Treat has to be ready to play in singles and doubles matches when necessary,” said Villanueva, who is also the PH Davis Cup administrator.

Villanueva added that Mamiit, who has been the heart and soul of the team for the past six years, always steps up to steer the squad in the three-day, best-of-five ties.

Villanueva recalled an instance during its meeting with Taiwan last September when the Fil-Am netter dropped a marathon five-setter that lasted for four hours in the opening tie and came back the next day for another five-setter with Huey in doubles.

Another instance was in the relegation playoff against New Zealand last July, where Mamiit played the opening singles, the doubles match and the reverse singles.

Villanueva said Gonzales, also a Fil-Am, also has to step up with Huey to steer the squad while local bet Johnny Arcilla and former PH top junior netter Jeson Patrombon must be ready to play at all times.

“All of them will have a chance to get more playing time,” Villanueva said.

It would be the first time that the Filipinos would be facing Pacific Oceania, a squad which represents the island nations of Oceania.

Pacific Oceania is currently composed of Cyril Jacobe of Vanuatu, Brett Baudinet of Cook Islands, Juan Sebastian Langton of Samoa and Michael Leong of Solomon Islands.

They have never gone as far as Group I since competing in 1995, although Villanueva said most of the members are actively competing in ATP and ITF tournaments abroad.