The Philippines finally put Hong Kong out of its misery by claiming one of two dead singles rubbers earlier today in the A/O Zone Group II Relegation Playoffs for a comprehensive 4-1 drubbing in Pasig City to deny the territory a Group II place in next year's Davis Cup competition and extended the territory's all-time losing streak against them to 0-5.

Yu Hiu Tung's lack of competitive matches in 2004 was no doubt a main culprit in his subdued showing again on Day 3, as he was defeated by opposing third stringer, unranked Patrick-John Tierro, in straight sets, 4-6, 3-6, before old dependable Michael Brown prevented the territory from getting bageled by seeing off Joseph Victorino, who retired when trailing 1-0 in the third set.

Hong Kong will join Malaysia in Group III for 2005, after Malaysian No. 1 Yew Ming-Si was unable to hold either of his singles rubbers in Tehran on clay.

The names of Hong Kong number one, Wayne Wong, and fast-rising 18-year-old Brian Hung, were sorely missing. They were made unavailable due to prior commitments to their respective universities in the States. Both are on a tennis scholarship and play monumental roles for their schools in the tough NCAA collegiate circuit.

At UC Berkeley this season, Wayne has become the first Hong Kong player to start at the No. 1 singles position for a NCAA Division I school, while Brian has already featured at No. 3 singles for Michigan and the perennial choice for the top doubles pairing.

Previous HK players to grace the NCAA Division I level in the late 80s/early 90s included Rolf Harrison, who started at the No. 2 singles spot (and No. 1 doubles) for Princeton; and Sven Kohler, who was also No. 2 at Duke. Current HK Davis Cupper, John Hui, was, of course, a starter on the Pepperdine team in the mid/late 90s.

As if fate would have it none otherwise, it was also the Philippines who condemned Hong Kong to Group III last time round, in July 1998, when they defeated the territory with an identical 4-1 scoreline at Victoria Park. That weekend, even the tried and trusted Melvin Tong-John Hui combo could not hold the fort. However, the year after, some kid by the name of Wayne Wong, together with team leader Melvin Tong, brought Hong Kong straight back up, and the territory has not looked back since.

Until now, that is.

Results
Davis Cup By BNP Paribas
Asia/Oceania Zone Group II Relegation Playoff
Ynares Socio-Cultural Sports Centre, Pasig City, Philippines
Surface: Indoor Clay
April 9 - 11, 2004

PHILIPPINES defeated HONG KONG  4 – 1

R-1 YU Hiu Tung (HKG) l. Adelo ABADIA (PHI) 2-6 1-6 3-6
R-2 Michael BROWN (HKG) l. Johnny ARCILLA (PHI) 6-2 1-6 2-6 4-6
R-3 John HUI / Asif ISMAIL (HKG) l. Johnny ARCILLA / Adelo ABADIA (PHI) 5-7 2-6 3-6
R-4 YU Hiu Tung (HKG) l. Patrick TIERRO (PHI) 4-6 3-6
R-5 Michael BROWN (HKG) d. Joseph VICTORINO (PHI) 3-6 6-3 1-0  --  Retired


Hong Kong relegated to Asia/Oceania Zone Group III in 2005