Sri Lankan players to start training today

Davis Cup Asia Oceanic Group III in Jordan

Sri Lankan Davis Cup players will get in to the courts today after their hotel quarantine period in Amman, Jordan yesterday. 

Chatura Nilaweera

Thehan Wijemanne

Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) is doing their level best to support the players to have some training sessions before the commencement of the event. The Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group III tournament will take place from 15-18 September in Jordan with the participation of nine teams after Philippines pulling out of this year’s event. Sri Lanka non-playing Captain and Coach and former Davis Cup player Renouk Wijemanne speaking to Daily FT from Jordan said: “Sri Lanka is one of nine countries participating in this Davis Cup Asia Oceanic Group III event. We have a relatively young outfit this year as two of our seasoned veterans were both unavailable for this event. Harshana Godamana and Shymal Dissnayake both being unavailable is a big blow for us. 

“However, it’s a team full of talent and most importantly it is the future of Sri Lanka’s tennis. The favourites to win this year would be Vietnam and Hong Kong but it all depends on how each country plays on that particular day. We will face up to each tie and give of our best in every game irrespective of who we play. If we play to our potential, good things are bound to happen. 

“We have two schoolboys Chaturya Nilaweera (Stafford International) and Thehan Wijemanne (Royal College) in the team.” Yasitha de Silva will be playing his fourth Davis Cup while Royalist Thehan will be in his second appearance in the big event. Meanwhile Vibuda Wijebandara and Chaturya Nilaweera will making their debut at Davis Cup event.

Hong Kong and China, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Pacific Oceania, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Syria and Vietnam will play for honours in this event in Jordan with the Philippines pulling out. Three nations will advance from Asia/Oceania Group III to contest the 2022 World Group II playoffs.(SJ)