Hong Kong of China to Host Iran for Davis CupHong Kong of China will host the first round match in the 2001 Asia/Oceania Zone Group II for the Davis Cup tennis tournament in Hong Kong from Februray 9 to 11, the Hong Kong Tennis Association announced Thursday.This is the first time the two teams will clash in the cup history. The match was postponed from afternoon to evening because Iranians are to arrive here at noon Friday. "As for the result, it's hard to say because we know little about our rivals, " said Hong Kong' trainer Xia Jiaping, a former Chinese player who won the men's single title in World University Games in 1993. According to the draw made here Thursday, Melvin Tong, first player of the host team, will face Iranian second single Anoosha Shahgholi in the first singles on Friday while Wayne Wong is going to match Iranian first single Ramin Raziani in the second singles. Tong and Wong will play doubles on Saturday against Ramin Raziani/Seyed Akbar Taheri Rahaghi. Melvin is going to meet Ramin Raziani in the first reverse singles Sunday and Wayne Wong fight against Anoosha Shahgholi in the second reverse singles. Davis Cup tennis, inaugurated in 1900, has been the top-level annual tournament for the men's team tennis in the world. The Asia Group II with eight teams attended will be played for three rounds this year, with the winner sailing into the Group I next year. |
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