Matches Sunday (University of St. Anthony Forum, Iriga City)

3 p.m. — Patrombon vs Leong

5 p.m. — Huey vs Jacobe

IRIGA CITY, Philippines — Philippine Davis Cup non-playing captain Cecil Mamiit is confident of the team's chances after taking a 2-0 lead over Pacific Oceania in their Asia Oceania Zone Group II tie.

"It's a good position to have," said Mamiit, who steered the country to numerous international victories since 2005. "It's been a while since we've been up 2-0 and I expect this result because if we're going to think about the strength of our team, we have to think positively like that."

Jeson Patrombon, who has only been with the team since last year, opened with a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) triumph against Pacific Oceania's No. 2 netter Cyril Jacobe, before Fil-American Treat Huey easily cruised to a 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 win over Michael Leong Friday.

The doubles is being played at presstime with the Filipinos hoping to finish off their visitors and reduce Sunday's matches into mere exhibition.

The last time the Nationals took a 2-0 lead was against New

Zealand in 2009. Mamiit and Huey defeated their respective foes as the Filipinos completed a 4-1 win.

Mamiit said the strong start is a big help in rebuilding their confidence since losing their Group I seat last year. He also saw a lot of promise to Patrombon, whom he thinks played a good job as the team's No. 1 player.

"He's trying to figure out how to close the match, but we helped each other there. There's a little bit of work that I have to do with him, but it's part of rebuilding the team," Mamiit said.

Huey also agreed.

"With him setting the tone, it gave me a lot of energy to start and play well today. And when I play like that, I know I can beat a lot of people," Huey said.

Mamiit, meanwhile, also reserved praises for Huey.

"I know Treat really well and he played a great game. I was just there to make sure that he keeps his focus and make him keep that high quality level of playing," Mamiit said.