Stiff competition for Davis Cup spots

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Six of the nation's top tennis players will be among those battling for four spots on Jamaica's Davis Cup team ahead of next month's crucial Group Two relegation battle against the Netherland Antilles, at the SOV Asiento Stadium in Cura?ao.

The three-day trial, which will get under way at the Liguanea Club this weekend, is expected to be a competitive one, as the country's best players will be available for selection, having just completed their tours of the collegiate circuit.

Listed players

Among the players already listed to take part in the trial are Dominic Pagon, Demar Johnson, Damion Johnson, Tyler Chin, Christopher Lawson and newcomer Vincenzio Ciccone, a New York-based Jamaican player.

Top junior Brandon Burke will not take part in the trials based on a hectic ITF schedule, which will see the player have a tournament in Florida on the same weekend.

"With the type of preparation we have had over the last couple of weeks, things are looking positive, I think that it gives us the best possible shot," said Douglas Burke, the national technical director.

Despite the team's preparation, the Netherland Antilles assignment will be a tough one. In three meeting so far, the Jamaicans are winless against the Eastern Caribbean team.

"It is going to be a tough tie. They always have quality teams and experienced players, they get a lot of players that are based in Holland, which makes them a tough team," Burke said.

After being promoted in 2008 from the America Zone III Davis Cup play-off, along with Guatemala, the Jamaicans lost 5-0 to Mexico in March.

In order to avoid being relegated, which would see them return to Group Three, the Jamaicans must find a way to beat the Netherland Antilles. The Davis Cup trials will kick off on Friday at 9 a.m. at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre.