THE Zimbabwe Davis Cup team will be looking for a quick return to World Group II when they take part in an eight-team Africa Group III competition which begins in Pretoria, South Africa, this morning.
Zimbabwe was relegated to the less fashionable group after losing 3-2 to Uruguay in a rain-interrupted World Group II playoff tie at Harare Sports Club back in February.
Courtney Lock lost the decisive reverse singles rubber after the tie extended to the fourth day, with the two teams locked at 2-2, after the second and third day’s play was suspended due to rain.
However, Courtney is conspicuous by his absence in the team that will do battle in South Africa at an event which is set to run from August 9 to 12 at TUKS Tennis Courts, University of Pretoria.
His brother Benjamin leads the Zimbabwe team as the number one player with Liberty Nzula, Benedict Badza and rising star Takura Mhwandagara completing the team.
Former Zimbabwe tennis star Takanyi Garanganga is the captain.
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Zimbabwe have been drawn into Group B of the competition alongside Benin, Namibia and Senegal.
Group B comprises hosts South Africa, who are the highest ranked side in the competition at 67th place on the Davis Cup standings, as well as Ivory Coast, Algeria and Togo.
Tennis Zimbabwe (TZ) revealed that the team arrived in South Africa for the tournament on Monday.
“The players arrived in South Africa on the 7th of August from different ATP and ITF Tournaments which were part of their tournament preparation. The platinum sponsor for the Davis Cup Team is Econet,” TZ said in a statement yesterday.
“Zimbabwe is playing in Group B against Zimbabwe, Benin, Namibia and Senegal. Three teams will be promoted and two will be relegated. The Davis Cup Africa Group Three Tournament will be broadcast on SABC Sport.”
Zimbabwe is the second best ranked team at 72nd place and should be able to grab one of the three qualifying spots to World Group II.