Sri Lanka to take on 8 nations at this year’s Davis Cup

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Category: tennis

Published on Tuesday, 14 June 2011 22:45

Written by Timothy Rajaratnam

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The Sri Lankan Davis Cup team is currently taking on 8 nations at this year’s Davis Cup which is played at the Sri Lanka Tennis Headquarters Green Path.

Sri Lanka had an unsuccessful tournament last year in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group II, where they lost to New Zealand and Hong Kong 3 matches to 2 in both the ties, but as individuals Harshana Godamanna and Dineshkanthan Thangarajah who were a part of last year’s team would be happy with their achievements.

Harshana defeated World ranked 227 New Zealander Daniel King Turner and Dineshkanthan defeated Gilbert Wong of Hong Kong in his debut Davis Cup tournament. The loss to both teams led to relegation to Asia/Oceania Zone Group III. Some facts on the Sri Lankan Davis Cup Team, Sri Lanka first participated in the Davis cup in 1953 from then onwards they have played 51 times. Sri Lanka after their losses last year has dropped down from rank 78 to 83.

This year’s team comprises of Rajeev Rajapakse (Capt), Harshana Godamanna, Oshada Wijemanne, Dineshkanthan Thangarajah and Vimuktha De Alwis. Rajeev Rajapakse is the most senior player of the side who has represented the country in numerous occasions. He is also known as a Davis Cup doubles specialist. His level of international experience especially at the Davis Cup level will be a great strength to the team.

National Champion Harshana Godamanna will bring in his piece of experience too which is something different to Rajeev’s and the rest of them. Harshana’s experience goes very deep to thee extend of playing world ranked players and is the most solid, consistent and reliable player of the team.

Oshada Wijemanne a new addition to the team this year is no stranger to Sri Lanka tennis.Oshada who is based in the US has come forward to play this time. He is also known as a good doubles player and can be relied on to take on the responsibility when required. He has represented Sri Lanka from his teenage he will add more spice into this year’s side.

Dineshkanthan Thangarajah is known as a player who can make surprises, making his debut last year will definitely step in this year to make a difference and finally Vimuktha de Alwis who is the youngest player of the side has been preparing for this tournament here and in Indonesia will be a good new addition to the team.

The Asia/Oceania Zone Group III group comprises 9 nations Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is very familiar playing with most of these nations as they too have the experience of playing for many years in this group.

The format of the Group III is 8 teams will compete against each other in two pools of four teams each. The pool matches will be played in the round robin format and top teams of each pool will then play in a new “promotion” round robin pool.

The top two teams of the second round robin will be promoted to Group II in 2011. The bottom two teams will play in a new “relegation” round robin pool. The last two teams in this pool will relegate to Group IV in 2012. If any nation withdraws, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) may amend the rules. Sri Lanka will look forward to regain the status they lost last year.

So head on towards the Sri Lanka Tennis Association in the next few days at 10 am to support and watch some good action of world class tennis.

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