KUALA LUMPUR: The national tennis squad have their sights set on promotion when they take to the court for the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group III competition which begins tomorrow in Tay Ninh, Vietnam.
Tennis Malaysia honorary secretary Kamaruzzaman Kedah believes the squad have a decent chance of making the cut for the World Group II playoffs later this year.
Malaysia are in Group A with Syria, Jordan and hosts Vietnam. Group B comprises Pacific Oceania, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
The winner of each group will earn an automatic slot in the World Group II playoffs. The second-placed teams from Group A and B will have to battle it out for the third and final slot.
"Last year, we were still finding our feet after a long period with no competition (due to Covid-19), but we are well-prepared this time," said Kamaruzzaman.
"I think we have a 50-50 chance of making the cut this year. The top three teams will earn a place in the World Group II playoffs.
"We hope to finish in the top two in the group and make it to the (third-place) playoff. Vietnam and Pacific Oceania are probably the two stronger teams in the division."
United States-based Naufal Siddiq, who is Kamaruzzaman's son, Koay Hao Sheng, Syed Agil Syed Naguib and youngster Christian Liew make up Malaysia's team.
Hao Sheng will play both singles and doubles, partnering Syed Agil. They will open against Syria, followed by Vietnam and Jordan.
Malaysia lost to Vietnam in the Asia-Oceania Group III playoff last year.
Vietnam played the Dominican Republic in the World Group II playoffs earlier this year but lost and are back in Asia-Oceania Group III.
