PH spoils NMI promotion to Group 4

The CNMI bowed to the Philippines, 1-2, in the crossover finals between the top teams in Pool B and Pool C in Group 5 of the Davis Cup last Saturday at the Bahrain Tennis Federation tennis courts in Isa Town, Bahrain.

Making its Davis Cup debut, captain Jeff Race’s team topped Pool C but faced a Philippine team, which topped Pool B, banished from Davis Cup play due to inactivity the past four years and thus relegated to the bottom rung of the yearly international tennis competition.

In the first singles match, CNMI No. 2 Robbie Schorr was outclassed by the Philippines’ No. 1 player Eric Olivarez Jr., 1-6, 0-6.

Davis Cup veteran and CNMI No. 1 Colin Sinclair then tied the competition after a come-from-behind 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 victory over the Philippines’ No. 2 Alberto Lim. Sinclair used to play for Pacific Oceania before the CNMI was admitted to the Davis Cup family last year.

The Philippines then clinched the tie when Robert Gonzales and Francis Alcantara upended Sinclair and Schorr, 7-5, 6-1.

Race said despite the loss to former Group 2 campaigner the Philippines, the CNMI still had an impressive showing in its first ever Davis Cup competition.

“The Philippines was the best team here, out of 15, and we are the second best. In our first Davis Cup competition that’s something to be excited and proud of. The Philippines No. 1 played amazing tennis and a son of Saipan beat him. The Philippines has 2,346 times more people than the CNMI and we almost beat them. I couldn’t be prouder of this group of guys,” he said.

Asked what was the No. 1 lesson learned after the tournament, the CNMI sports hall of famer said, “Don’t start playing Davis Cup when the Philippines is in Group 5.” He also thanked Jerry and Lydia Tan for supporting the team.

The loss to the Philippines last Saturday was the lone stain in the CNMI’s otherwise fruitful weeklong campaign in the Middle East country as the team went unscathed in pool play. It swept Bhutan and Maldives in its first two ties before exacting the same punishment against Laos in its last game before facing the Philippines.

Against Laos last Friday, Schorr opened up with a dominating 6-1, 6-0 win over Songbandith Somphone before Sinclair gave the CNMI the tie with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Simmalavong Sataporn.

In the doubles, Colin Ramsey and Tomas Abel took three sets to conquer Khamphoumany Ananda and Somphone, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Schorr summed up his first Davis Cup stint as simply unforgettable.

“The Philippines was a really tough team and they played very well. We fought hard but came up short in the end unfortunately. My Davis Cup experience was great. I enjoyed playing against good players from all over the Middle East and Asia, getting to know some new people from different countries, and enjoying my stay in Bahrain. The NMI team is something truly special that I am lucky to be a part of, and I am especially honored to be a part of this group and make history for the NMI.”

He then took the opportunity to thank his support system for advancing his tennis career.

“I want to thank my parents for gifting me the opportunity to play this sport, all the coaches and teammates I have had throughout my tennis career, and especially my Davis Cup team here with me in Bahrain. They were a huge support and I couldn’t have done what I did without them.

Ramsey said he had an unforgettable experience playing in the Davis Cup.

“We set the expectations high for NMI tennis even though we came up short against the Philippines. It’s a country with more than 100 million people against a small island of 45,000 and we came very close to beating them. I am very proud of the way we showed up this year and I’m excited to show up even stronger next year.”

Despite coming short against the Philippines, he said there’s still a lot to be thankful for.

“Lydia and Jerry Tan had a huge part to play in getting the team to Bahrain and making sure we looked good when we got here. Colin Sinclair took time off from playing in the tour to be here with us; it’s a pleasure to watch him dance around the court. Jeff Race always pours his heart out for tennis and I really respect him as a coach/captain. Robbie Schorr never ceases to amaze me with the things he’s able to accomplish at the court; coupled with an unparalleled fighting spirit he’s an asset to the NMI. My doubles partner Tomas Abel made each point on court more rewarding, keeping our 3-0 record and sharing his valuable experiences with the team. Our team manager and my lovely mother, Karen Buettner, brought her overwhelming positivity, taking care of the team and forging relationships with other countries as well.

Abel summed up his Davis Cup experience in one word—amazing.

“We played some heroic matches against the Philippines, in true David vs. Goliath fashion and Colin S. and Robbie brought us to the brink of bringing them down. They gave it their all and it was by far the best match of the tournament. Next year, we are moving up for sure!”

He also said it was a dream come true to play in the Davis Cup.

“Let’s call it stretch that at this point in my life I could still make the team for such a momentous championship but stars aligned and I spent the week with the most wonderful people and the best tennis players in CNMI history. We made history here too and came ever so close to moving up to the next group on our first try. Coach Jeff and Karen have done an excellent job pulling this together and supporting the team on courts. I also want to thank my family and friends for all their support and huge shoutout to my father who probably waited for this moment for 40 years. He’s the one who brought me into the tennis world and I know this just made his Top 10 list.”

CNMI women’s turn

The CNMI Women’s National Tennis Team, meanwhile, will also make its 2024 Billie Jean King Cup debut this week, also at the Bahrain Tennis Federation tennis courts in Isa Town, Bahrain.

Making up the team are Carol Lee, Isabel Heras, Asia Raulerson, and Hye Jin Elliot. Lydia Tan is the CNMI’s captain in the Billie Jean King Cup.

“It will be a good team and they all get along well. No expectations [really] as it’s Team NMI’s first time playing this BJKC and this competition is much higher level. Will just do our best. The team had practice yesterday (Friday) and it seems they adjusted to the courts condition well,” said Tan.

She added that Georgia Tech standout Lee will be the CNMI’s No. 1 player and Heras, who also played tennis collegiately, will be the No. 2 player.

Lee thanked the Northern Mariana Islands Tennis Association for picking her to be part of Team NMI in the Billie Jean King Cup.

“It’s an honor to be playing for the NMI team for the first time and I am excited to compete with my teammates. Our goal is to get promoted to the next group but I expect us to just perform, compete, and give our best on court while we represent the NMI team in BJK Cup.”

Raulerson, for her part, said she’s looking forward for the BJK Cup and her expectations is “to win and play hard and play smart all the way.”

Prior to coming to Bahrain, Raulerson was training at Albany State University with her former collegiate teammates. “I have used up my four years of eligibility and I graduate this December.”