Dubai: The UAE tennis team will have to overcome Turkmenistan if they want to stay in Group III of the Asia-Oceania Zone next season.
The UAE lost 1-2 to Lebanon — their sixth loss on the trot against the Lebanese in Davis Cup history — leaving the UAE with no option but an outright win over Turkmenistan in Saturday’s play-off.
On a day when the UAE chose to rest their top player Omar Bahroozian, Kamil Khalil gave Lebanon the lead with an easy 6-3, 6-2 win over Hamad Abbas Al Janahi. The experienced Bassam Baidas then defeated Mahmoud Nader 7-5, 6-4 to seal the win and give the UAE the consolation of pulling one back with a walkover in the doubles.
Meanwhile, Malaysia and hosts Iran remained on course for promotion to Group II next year with respective wins on Friday. Malaysia defeated Cambodia 2-1, while the hosts helped themselves to an easy 3-0 win over Singapore.
The wins meant that both Malaysia and Iran were to contest Saturday’s promotion play-offs to determine which two nations advance to Asia/Oceania Zone Group II for next year.
Top seeds Malaysia were up against Lebanon, while the hosts were to take on Syria, with the winners of each tie progressing to the next tier of the competition.
Saturday’s games were also due to see relegation play-offs between Cambodia and Singapore, while the UAE were due to take on Turkmenistan. The two losers will drop down to Group IV, while the winners will stay in Group III for one more year.
