View Full Version : DAVIS CUP 2012 - E-A Zone I - GBR v Belgium - 6-8 April 2012
Great Britain play Belgium on 6-8 April at home.
http://www.daviscup.com/en/results/tie/details.aspx?tieId=100017666
stu_fraser Stuart Fraser
And just moments after securing victory, LTA confirm that GB vs Belgium in April will be back at Braehead once again! 4th tie in a row here.
http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Davis-Cup/News/2012/GB-to-play-Belgium-at-Braehead-Arena-in-Davis-Cup/
Braehead again, just suits me fine, at least, April is good not February. I hope to go this time and hope Danny Boy is on the team. He was fearless yesterday. Congrats Team GB, well done. :clap::clap::clap:
JAMES4578
13-02-2012, 14:53
Never known announcement to be made so quickly but they'd obviously decided in advance. Know of course some people will be disappointed it's Braehead again but the support certainly was terrific last weekend in spite of Andy not being there, even if there were a few empty seats.
They announced it at the end of the match, didn't they?
JAMES4578
13-02-2012, 15:45
They announced it at the end of the match, didn't they?
Yes they did actually.
Anyone know when tickets are going to go on sale?
Sallydaisy
13-02-2012, 21:04
Anyone know when tickets are going to go on sale?
'fraid not. On the LTA site it says 'in a few days' .....
Do you want to join us in our group this time? It'd be good to meet you (and BCP?)
hfwardhouse
14-02-2012, 21:28
They'd have had to have it all sorted before hand - it's only 8 weeks away!
Andrew Castle @AndrewCastle63
@l3479s Back for more tennis at Braehead at Easter. Hope Andy Murray plays, we will need him v Belgium. No clash with #scdtour either!
He called him Andy :shocked:
hfwardhouse
17-02-2012, 08:54
:rolling: SG has been communicating with him via twitter - maybe he's listening at long last ;)
Not really heard much about James and Dan since last DC - how are they progressing? Also, Jamie Baker? I guess he might be in the mix this time.
Is there anyone else around? Maybe one of the younger group who we keep hearing about. I mean, wasn't Andy seventeen when he made his debut in Israel. [and btw what happened to (if I remember correctly) David Sherwood?]
Sallydaisy
16-03-2012, 10:25
Leon might have a dilemma on his hands for this tie; regardless of whether Andy plays how does he choose the singles players/team?
I think Flemchins are the best choice for the doubles.
Current singles rankings ...... Name and DC record W-L.
163 James Ward 7-4 (but lost 2 rubbers in the most recent tie in Feb and hasn't shown much confidence since)
247 Jamie Baker (returning from injury) 4-4
264 Josh Goodall 0-2
277 Dan Evans - stepped in and won 2 rubbers for us in Feb but record is 2-4
343 Alex Bogdanovic 1-7
NB. David Sherwood reached a career high of 214 in 2005. He's now a nationally recognised coach, coaching top performance players in this country. His parents were both Olympic medallists - 1968 Mexico, John Sherwood - bronze for 400m hurdles, Sheila Sherwood - silver for long jump.
I agree sally, it is definately a dilemma! James Ward has always played very well in DC .... apart from the last tie, so I think he should be picked over everyone else really, especially as his ranking is higher. If Leon kicks him out on the back of one poor performance, his confidence will be even more rock bottom than it is now.
Flemchins should deffo get the doubles regardless of whether or not Andy plays, and I personally would be LIVID if they didn't! I think Leon has got his head well and truly screwed on though (unlike some DC captains in the past) so I don't see a problem there.
Yes, it should definitely be Flemchins for the dubs. And Wardy and Evo again for the singles. If you have a winning team, why change it?
Yes, it should definitely be Flemchins for the dubs. And Wardy and Evo again for the singles. If you have a winning team, why change it?depends who turns if andy turns up then he and jamie get first refusal
:thanks: for the information, sally.
Yes, I agree about Colin and Ross.
But - am I right in thinking we can have 2 doubles teams at the Olympics? And if so, has Jamie got the right qualification vis-a-vis recent Davis Cup involvement to play with Andy at the Olympics?
We can have two doubles teams at the Olympics, provided they make the cut. If Andy wants to play doubles, he can choose whoever he likes to partner him.
We can have two doubles teams at the Olympics, provided they make the cut. If Andy wants to play doubles, he can choose whoever he likes to partner him.hate to be a pedant, but not strictly true an extra place could be allocated if one of them dont make the cut
Yes, there will be eight wild card places.
Thanks Linda and J (sorry for taking it off-topic)
Sallydaisy
21-03-2012, 17:11
Belgian Team to play GB (via @DavisCup (https://twitter.com/#%21/DavisCup)) at Braehead Arena.
O Rochus WR 52, Darcis WR 68, Bemelmans WR 143, Goffin WR 148 (all 4 lower-ranked in doubles)
British Davis Cup team revealed. Andy Murray not in it. Team is Ward, Evans, Hutchins, Fleming."
JAMES4578
26-03-2012, 19:43
Yes was expecting that really, let's hope for more inspiring performances!
British Davis Cup team revealed. Andy Murray not in it. Team is Ward, Evans, Hutchins, Fleming."
Where has team been announced? Just out of interest cos I did a search and couldn't find it anywhere (not that I doubt your knowledge :) )
That confirms my non-attendance then. :(
lankster2003
26-03-2012, 20:47
What time does the friday match start ? Also when will we receive our tickets?
The team is as I expected, by the way.
It will be 15:00 again most likely
JAMES4578
26-03-2012, 20:54
What time does the friday match start ? Also when will we receive our tickets?
The team is as I expected, by the way.
It will be 15:00 again most likely
Stu Fraser said it was a 1pm start all days recently.
hope not dont get off the ferry till 9:30 + 5 1/2 drive
jeannie13
26-03-2012, 21:34
hope not dont get off the ferry till 9:30 + 5 1/2 drive
That would be very hard, J. You would miss the first match. Let's Hope it's at 3.00
Elizabeth
26-03-2012, 21:38
Ticket Master are showing all 3 days starting at 13:00
jeannie13
26-03-2012, 21:57
Ticket Master are showing all 3 days starting at 13:00
Yuch- that makes it difficult for booking into hotels in time!!!!
lankster2003
26-03-2012, 22:18
I would be surprised if it's a 13:00 start, but we'll wait and see
Sallydaisy
26-03-2012, 22:51
I've just moved a bunch of posts over as they're about the 'tie' rather than the 'block booking'.
FWIW the Davis Cup site also shows that matches start at 1pm on all 3 days.
The team is pretty much as expected and good for Leon for sticking with Dan Evans even though there are higher ranked Brits in action at the moment. I like Jamie Baker's determination but he's not long back from injury and Goodall hasn't done well at DC.
I'm also in the "hope it's not 1pm start on Friday" club .... on the back of the last 2 ties starting late on the Friday, we are booked on the lunchtime flight so would miss the first match - botheration!!!!! - to put it mildly!!
Having the Friday match later in the day was a really sensible idea. I'm not sure why they've changes their minds this time - maybe they've brought the violinists back, and they're going to play a 2 hour set? ;)
It's the holidays, so there's no need to put it back.
True - maybe that's it, then.
JAMES4578
01-04-2012, 16:02
Know it doesn't suit some folk, but some of the crowd always left before the end when it was a later start.
An early start would have been fine .... if we had known sooner!!!
patmoren
04-04-2012, 09:07
Big ask for the guys this time, Belgium are doing very well at the moment, Team GB going to need lots of support.
lankster2003
04-04-2012, 10:39
Know it doesn't suit some folk, but some of the crowd always left before the end when it was a later start.
Very true James. For me, it doesn't concern me either way. The only issue is a lack of consistency or at least publicising earlier start times as early as possible
lankster2003
04-04-2012, 10:41
Big ask for the guys this time, Belgium are doing very well at the moment, Team GB going to need lots of support.
Not only are Rochus and Darcis doing well, Goffin won in Guadeloupe last week. Eek!!! But Lacko reached a 250 final before February's tie so not all is lost.
Neil Harman @NeilHarmanTimes
Hearing @joshuagoodall replaces @jameswardtennis in GB DC team to play Belgium this weekend. Josh won Futures at weekend, in good form
British Tennis @BritishTennis
Josh Goodall has been called up to replace the injured James Ward in the AEGON GB Davis Cup Team vs Belgium http://goo.gl/YHfVt #GBDavisCup
LTA (http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/Davis-Cup/News/2012/Goodall-to-replace-Ward-in-GB-Davis-Cup-team/) - Goodall replaces Ward in AEGON GB Davis Cup Team
JAMES4578
04-04-2012, 14:42
Pity for James but hopefully Josh will be up for it! Obviously it is a tough ask this weekend but let's hope for more inspired performances!
KnightOwl
04-04-2012, 15:17
Well, I was disappointed with James in February, so I'm quite happy for someone else to have a go!
lankster2003
05-04-2012, 09:30
Well, I was disappointed with James in February, so I'm quite happy for someone else to have a go!
That is true, though he was in a bad place at that point. Josh coming in with some good form winning a futures event last week so all is certainly not lost. I am really hopeful the crowd can inspire the boys again :thumbup:
Sallydaisy
05-04-2012, 13:03
ORDER OF PLAY
FRIDAY 6th April - 12.30pm Opening Ceremony followed by 1pm start of play
Goodall v Darcis
Evans v Rochus
SATURDAY 7th April - 1pm start
Fleming/Hutchins v Bemelmens/Goffin
SUNDAY 8th April - 1pm start
Evans v Darcis
Goodall v Rochus
DC is best of 5 set matches without a tie-break in the 5th set.
Please note - if the tie is won after the Doubles the captains can opt not to play on the Sunday.
Recently they've always played the dead rubbers rather than disappoint the crowds.
Dead rubbers played on Sunday are best of 3 sets only.
Is it on TV or livestream at all? Can't seem to find it on BBC or Sky or Eurosport but that's probably me
Is it on TV or livestream at all? Can't seem to find it on BBC or Sky or Eurosport but that's probably me
It's on Eurosport 2 from 12.45pm.
Thanks Katie - I'll be there once I've taken Oscar to do his Pets as Therapy (PAT) visit
patmoren
06-04-2012, 09:05
The ITF site is streaming the GB matches. Good luck team GB and lots of noise from the fans.
Very hard tie for the boys, quite worried yet excited to see if Dan will surprise us again!! Good luck lads!
JAMES4578
06-04-2012, 10:07
know we're up against it but if we can get off to a reasonable start all to play for! Before the last tie I wasn't that confident and look what happened there! This is a step up though.
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 11:05
Some various reports from twitter ..............
;)
Jon Overend (radio 5)
The Belgium supporters have entered the building... Now all kissing the captain http://yfrog.com/kgz9xqdj (http://t.co/o5iTxXq3)
LizCurran(forum member, sitting with Lankster, Michelle and Gemmahahaha)
Courtside for #DavisCup (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23DavisCup) #TeamGB (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23TeamGB) warm up. Leon Smith looking very pensive.....and the usual quiff has gone. I hope this isn't an omen.
Omg the Belgians have arrived in serious costumes #DavisCup (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23DavisCup) Thank goodness for the #stirlingunibarmyarmy (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23stirlingunibarmyarmy)
@JM_MacDonald (https://twitter.com/#!/JM_MacDonald) - we need you here NOW ! We have been overrun by Belgians. help...please :)) they have huge drums #nightmare (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23nightmare) #DavisCup (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23DavisCup)
Michelle
Some *** come up to us 'hello we r the belgians'. Umm yeah.
Theres a belgian barmy army and guess where r seats r? Behind them. Pass the wine...
And a mini convo involving myself ..... ahem
Pammelia
@JAMES4578 (https://twitter.com/#!/JAMES4578) Thanks James. Are you going or watching from home. Hope they do well.
James4578
@pammelia2 (https://twitter.com/#!/pammelia2) Yes I'm going,hope the team rise to the ocassion. Sally had to pull out at the last minute.
Sallydaisy10is
@JAMES4578 (https://twitter.com/#!/JAMES4578) @pammelia2 (https://twitter.com/#!/pammelia2) LOL. I'm rubbish at playing tennis ;-)
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 11:19
Looks as though they're in for a noisy Davis Cup!
Lizcurran
the man with the drum is v ugly, v scary looking and v aggressive "I'm playing this for 3 DAYS, 3 DAYS" :/
@SallyDaisy10is (https://twitter.com/#%21/SallyDaisy10is) @_michelle_x_x_x (https://twitter.com/#%21/_michelle_x_x_x) @lankster2003 (https://twitter.com/#%21/lankster2003) @gemmahahaha (https://twitter.com/#%21/gemmahahaha) - the drummer is a nightmare, he's enjoying winding me up
I've tweeted to the 4 of them to smile for the camera 'cos if they're that close to the Belgians we'll be seeing a lot of them.
:rolling:
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 11:54
Let's go GB, Let's go!!!
http://londonairconnections.com/images/PicUnionJack.gif
What's wrong with Andy Castle ... he was very nearly complimentary about Andrew Murray!
Edit - ah yes, now it's clear... step aside and let the poisonous fisherwomen Bradnam & McMillan crack on at him
Hi. Does anyone have a stream please?
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 12:29
Hi. Does anyone have a stream please?
I did but can't get it to work on either laptop or desktop.
Here's a piccy (bit blurred)
Apparently there's a lot of negative comment from the commies about Andy not playing this tie.
The Arena is only half full.
Not necessarily due to Andy not being there (it was MUCH busier in February) but it's Easter hols. + what people don't realise is the spaces behind the players are reserved for home team family/friends and for away team visitors/fans so that explains some of the emptiness too.
https://p.twimg.com/ApzDFfDCEAEeLvW.jpg
Last time, when tickets were sold it was in the belief that Andy was playing. No such illusions this time. Anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves IMO.
Hi Sally
I did find something on lshunter, but I can't make it work. I will keep trying
Hol weekend probably isn't the best to choose!
According to british tennis tweet it's 2-2. Nothing on lta live as it happens yet....
http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/18/116/v-391626.html
http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/18/116/v-391626.html
Thank you so much!! :thanks:
LindyDRed
06-04-2012, 12:41
Really disgusted with the commentators. Andy is a disgrace. He owes it to the LTA after all they have done for him. He owes it to the country.
They just can't resist having a go. Frew also said that Andy had plenty of time to put himself first. Does he? Yes, sod those slams and Olympic medals Andy. Make it your aim to get us back into the world group. You'd thing Davis Cup was the pinnacle of the sport.
Josh had 2 sp's there, but deuce now
Really disgusted with the commentators. ... You'd thing Davis Cup was the pinnacle of the sport.Sadly they still think it is - because that was the height of their own singles career.
IMO, Frew is nothing more than a bigoted throwback who really has no business commentating on tv. Or radio for that matter
in the 1st set tb. 4-2 to GB
woo hoo Josh takes the tb 7-2 :cheer:
long way to go yet though!
Well done Josh. Keep it going. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
Really disgusted with the commentators. Andy is a disgrace. He owes it to the LTA after all they have done for him. He owes it to the country.
They just can't resist having a go. Frew also said that Andy had plenty of time to put himself first. Does he? Yes, sod those slams and Olympic medals Andy. Make it your aim to get us back into the world group. You'd thing Davis Cup was the pinnacle of the sport.
What right does Frew MacMillan have to comment on the British DC Team anyway - he's South African for goodness sake! Are Rafa and Novak playing DC this week - I don't think so. Besides which, if we can't make the World group without Andy we shouldn't be there - we can't just rely on one player - it's ridiculous!
Well done Josh - keep it going boy!
What right does Frew MacMillan have to comment on the British DC Team anyway - he's South African for goodness sake! Are Rafa and Novak playing DC this week - I don't think so. Besides which, if we can't make the World group without Andy we shouldn't be there - we can't just rely on one player - it's ridiculous!
Well done Josh - keep it going boy!
Totally agree - right now Andy should only play if it fits in with his schedule. No way should he have played if it meant less clay court preparation time. Leon seems very supportive of Andy's decision; it's a shame the British journalists can't be the same.
It also gives players like Josh and Dan the chance to perform well and take more responsibility than if Andy was guaranteed to win two ties.
Josh saves bp with a great ace!!!
and another game where Josh saves bp's. Come on GB!!
Josh clinging on a bit second set.
yet more bp's
and Belgium break
What right does Frew MacMillan have to comment on the British DC Team anyway - he's South African for goodness sake! his grandfather was the provost of Paisley or something
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 13:54
http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/18/116/v-391626.html
Good stream Hawk!
:thumbup:
Some first set commentary from Twitter
NeilHarman
Can either @joshuagoodall (https://twitter.com/#!/joshuagoodall) or @Evo151216 (https://twitter.com/#!/Evo151216) come good for GB in the DC tie today? No sign of lightning around Glasgow at the moment
They are playing Bill Withers' Lovely Day at the Braehead Arena. Hope they're right
Oh my goodness. Rob Curling just described the Braehead Arena as 'a fortress' for British tennis. Cue hysterial laughter in press room
Lowest crowd I have seen at the Braehead Arena for Davis Cup. The restaurants in the centre are packed to overflowing. Sad
Even the umpire is shouting here. Can't everyone just tone it down a bit? And those blasted hooters. Paracetemol required
2-2 early in proceedings. Josh G holding his own thus far
13 on the GB bench as opposed to nine Belgians. In this case participation is up
Goodall saves the match's first BP with huge serve down the middle and looks very determined. 4-3 GB
I'm very sorry but this umpire's voice in beginning to make me grit my teeth. Please please tone it down a bit
@tennisscotland (https://twitter.com/#!/tennisscotland) I'm sure she's excellent at what she does but it's the scratchy delivery that ruins it. Yearning for Georgina Clark
I'm sure he's here somewhere but not seen seen the LTA chief executive in the crowd yet
Three DFs from Darcis to set point. Very edgy
The Stirling Uni crew are about to lose their side a point if they keep on shouting out during serves. Back to deuce
Three set points for Goodall go a-begging. Hoping it is not the last chance(s) he has. 5-5 and Darcis a bit rocky
Jeu decisif.
Darcis thrashes racket into ground after netting forehand to go mini break down. Oo la-la
Exceedingly good play from Goodall. Lovely sliced backhand and backhand cross court winner. 5-2
4 balles de set!! And he needs just the one. 7-6 Goodall first set. Terrific filip
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 13:59
2nd set notes .......... Harman again.
That was about Darcis' best service game for a while to hold in the opening game of the 2nd set
Not sure I've ever seen Josh hit his forehand cross court as well as this, not even in his successful US Open qualy run. 2-1 Belgium in 2nd
From 40-0 to break point, saved with an ace. Big game for Goodall here
Remarkable that there is not a full contingent of lines people for Masters final but there is for DC Europe Africa Group I matches
Giant hold there for Goodall. Saves two break points, one with ace another with service winner. 2-2
Two huge forehand returns, the second a mishit that lands plumb on line. Two more break points for Darcis
Another sterling service hold from Goodall there. Quite fearless in fact. What has happened to him regardless of outcome?? 3-3
Two more break points for Darcis. Turning the screw
Finally he breaks thanks to tremendous backhand defence. 5-3 Belgium in the 2nd
One set all at the Braehead. Darcis stepping it up as we thought he would
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 14:23
3rd set - Neil Harman
Oh dear, Darcis breaks in first game of 3rd set, after Goodall's first DF of the match. A significant moment?
A chance there on forehand for Goodall to break back but, despite taking knee protectors off, he looks more flat footed now
2-0 Darcis in the third. A feeling of inevitability has descended
Stu Fraser
Josh Goodall vs Steve Darcis first up. Enter the cauldron.
#DavisCup (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23DavisCup) http://pic.twitter.com/4e9acXde (http://t.co/4e9acXde)
Darcis struggling to cope at the fortress
Court playing like ice. Ironic considering this is the home of Braehead Clan. Into a tiebreak
Great effort from Josh Goodall to take that first set. Long way to go in this best of five-set match though
Impressive stats from Darcis in that 2nd set. 92% 1st-serves in. Just one unforced error. Goodall made 14. Tide turning. 1 set all
Gap in rankings, and Goodall's weak backhand side, showing in this best of five-set match
Oh my days, commentators on eurosport said it would have been possible to have laid a Clay Court for Andy if he wanted them too. Any excuse to have a dig at him. What Morons! :doh:
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 14:25
Darcis leads 5-3, 3rd set. Josh to serve to stay in this set.
hmm Belgium win the 3rd 6-4
Just got in from church. Is it televised? Is there a live stream? Or failing that, is there livescore?
Hi Linda
This one from Hawkeye is working for me
http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/18/116/v-391626.html
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 14:42
Just saw Caro and Gill on the telly!!!
:thumbup:
Stream has stopped :sad:
Found another one :) http://www.lshunter.tv/index.php?option=com_lsh&view=lsh&event_id=89680&tv_id=775&tid=28340&channel=0&tmpl=component&layout=popup&Itemid=327
:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad::sad:
traveller7
06-04-2012, 15:12
Shame good try by Goodall
was always going to be a tall order for Josh
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 15:19
Belgium take the first rubber 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 6-4.
A pity Josh couldn't keep up the standard of his first set.
However, the Belgian upped his game in sets 2, 3 and 4 and produced confident tennis to get the win. Seems he wasn't prepared for the Barmy Army vocals which annoyed him a bit.
Not spotted our lot yet - they're directly opposite the Umpire tho' so probably out of camera range.
Mind you - there was a fantastic shot of Caro and Gill about an hour ago!
Commiserations to Josh - very brave effort but Steve just too good.
COME ON DAN. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
KnightOwl
06-04-2012, 15:24
Well, we're all here, and making a lot of noise, but despite a good first set, the going was a bit too tough for Josh. Darcis really wasn't playing great in the first set, but he came back much stronger after that.
Oh, well - it's all up to Dan Evans now :)
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 15:30
Well, we're all here,
Phew, now I can relax!!!
:phew:
Did see Supergran at the beginning, chewing away and banging her thingies together
Second match under way - Vamos Dan! :swingin:
ok Dan - time to show us what you can do!
Woo hoo! Great start! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Did see Supergran at the beginning, chewing away and banging her thingies together:shocked:
Afternoon... I am ploughing through last Saturday's journo school notes and I have sooo caught up with sleep today!
I have to confess I had to go shut my eyes and missed the end of Josh's match but I think by the time I had a rest, it was a foregone conclusion.
I haven't seen any of our mob yet... just that irritating grey haired twonk from Stirling Uni who always gets in shot!
Oh and of course that eejit, Castle.
Come on Dan - two dub-fs in his opening service game, and still holds... good stuff!
and well done to Dan - keep it up!!
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 15:52
Did see Supergran at the beginning, chewing away and banging her thingies together
'eck as like.
:shocked:
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 15:54
I haven't seen any of our mob yet... just that irritating grey haired twonk from Stirling Uni who always gets in shot!
There was a great shot of Caro and Gill in their UJ hats, about an hour ago I think.
:thumbup:
I won't sleep for that mental image now...
'eck as like.
:shocked:I have heard of such things, but you had to be a member to get in
hfwardhouse
06-04-2012, 16:00
I saw Joyce and Jane and SG right at the beginning a couple of times and saw Dave and Fiona as well :big grin:
Glad to hear Caro and Gill have arrived safely!
I'll not see all this match either (missed sets 3 & 4 of Josh's match due to feeding sheep) as I've a church service tonight and am singing with the choir - "All in the April Evening" which does in fact include a line "The Sheep with their little lambs" - aaaaaaargh :eek:
i saw joyce and jane and sg right at the beginning a couple of times and saw dave and fiona as well :big grin:
Glad to hear caro and gill have arrived safely!
I'll not see all this match either (missed sets 3 & 4 of josh's match due to feeding sheep) as i've a church service tonight and am singing with the choir - "all in the april evening" which does in fact include a line "the sheep with their little lambs" - aaaaaaargh :eek:
arf!!!!
First set in the bag! :cheer:
great point from Dan to win the set!
lovin the "Allez's" from Dan!
Seriously is there a worse commentator than Amdrew Castle ANYWHERE in the world?
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 16:37
lovin the "Allez's" from Dan!
Me too, think Ollie Rochus isn't so impressed though .........
;)
Must be quite unusual for these 2 to play someone their own size.
Let's hope Dan can break back soon!
They've been bit flustered all day - think the whole thing is getting to them a bit.
Didn't realise Dan's coach used to be the Belgian DC captain - very useful!
Oh dear, this set not going too well so far :crying:
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 16:50
Dan gets one break back, serving at *2-4.
:clap:
Nice shot of Caro there with our lot.
:thumbup:
Saw Caro - and Joyce behind her, I think.
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 16:54
Oh dear ......
:sofa:
Michelle @_Michelle_x_x_x (https://twitter.com/#%21/_Michelle_x_x_x) Me and @Gemmahahaha (https://twitter.com/#%21/Gemmahahaha) r on our 5th glass of wine. Huzzah!
Good stuff ladies! :thumbup:
One set all :sad:
Come on Dan! :swingin:
let's hope Dan can remember how he won last time :thumbup:
Have decamped from the office - now come along Daniel as I have telly to watch!!!
A KitKat right now would be very nice!
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 17:45
Great Britain 5-4 2nd set, going with serve, Rochus to serve to stay in this set.
It'd be great if Dan could break now and then serve in the opening game of the 4th.
MurrayAOne
06-04-2012, 17:46
Sounds like a good plan to me.
2 bp's well saved
and a third
argh great shot from Rochus to break
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 18:01
Stunning from Dan to break back to love!!!
6-6 tie-break.
Now don't lose the momentum ... Take this breaker...
Yes! Dan breaks back to force the tiebreak! Vamos! :swingin:
I missed the break back! Come on Dan!
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 18:09
Rochus was 3-2, 3-3, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 5-5 and despite any minibreaks it's still on serve.
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 18:10
Dan breaks and will serve for the set at *6-5
Great shot of our girls!!!
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 18:12
Dan hits into the net after an exhausting rally; Rochus experience showing through.
6-6 though so it's not lost yet.
Dan still has 1 serve - needs to hold on.
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 18:16
Dan *6-6
*7-6
7-7*
7-8* OMG, the linesman put his hands down then changed his mind to say Dan's pass was long
*7-9 and Belgium take the lead 2-1 over GBR
:crying: :crying: :crying:
But Dan won in 5 last time, didn't he?
yes - so he knows how to do it
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 18:20
Argh!!! My stream just stopped. Need to reboot my Hub.
:grrr:
Aaaargh all the streams have gone blank
Can't find a working stream.
Livescores on Bet365 (http://www.bet365.com/home/FlashGen4/WebConsoleApp.asp?bet=1&affiliate=365_028814)
Dan got a break at the start of the 4th :)
Come on Dan - dig in.
As a total aside I am loving my new kitchen gadget - a remoska - Good Friday dinner of sweet chilli salmon, grilled potatoes and asparagus and a lovely glass of rose to cap off a remarkable week. Now if Dan can hang on ...
Never heard of a Remoska so I googled it - looks like you can cook anything in it - no need to have a kitchen at all!
It is amazing and a cheap alternative to using the oven all the time.
I did a fantastic toad in the hole - just brushed the sides with oil rather than the slick you usually need in a baking tin.
Someone had a great website called A year of remoska but they kinda stopped before the year was out which is a shame.
I was just ecstatic when I found a Lakeland had opened in Kingston - and that there was one in Watford where my office is (but not for much longer, tee Hee) ...their poach pods for eggs are just amazing!!!
Rochus breaks back :sad: Think Dan must be tiring, he had to save 3BPs in his previous service game.
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 18:50
Rochus breaks back ..... 4-4 in the 4th with Rochus to serve next.
Come on Dan!!!
I can't believe I might have to resort to the washing up ... 3 games in a row for Belgium :-(
Rochus holds. Dan will serve to stay in the match.
Sallydaisy
06-04-2012, 18:59
All over. Belgium lead the tie 2-0 after Rochus defeats Evans 3-1.
Well, that's that :sad:
We'll probably win the dubs tomorrow but our chance of winning both singles on Sunday has to be close to zero :sad:
Good effort from both the lads today.
Twas always a difficult tie without Andy.
I'm off to get organised for the weekend away. Thanks for your company :)
:easterbunny:
patmoren
06-04-2012, 19:03
Super Dan didn't quite manage it today. Big ask but they both played well just too much of a gap between the players.
:crying: :crying: :crying:
Tough for GB to win this match now.
Yes, when you consider the gulf in ranking our lads did very well.
Just back from Braehead, the guys, considering their ranking did very well, especially Danny Evans. Might have been different if he had won the tiebreak in the 3rd set. Enjoyed the atmosphere again but felt our support was drowned out by the Belgians, who were more vocal than us.
JAMES4578
07-04-2012, 07:54
It certainly was a great day's tennis but just a pity GB couldn't put a point on the board. However, they wre both tight matches and it was a gutsy effort from both Dan and Josh. Evans put on a geat display again but just couldn't win enough of the key points and Rochus was tough. Seems to be a questionable call in the breaker in a third set that could have gone either way. Just a pity Dan fell away a bit after having the better start in the 4th. Whilst all is not lost, certainly a tough ask now! However sure Colin/Ross can do us proud in the doubles!
:crying: Least Ross/Colin will do us proud :)
Perhaps someone could have a quiet word or not so quiet word with Frew Mc and let him know that LTA did not support Andy, his parents paid for him to go to Spain and since then has made his own way. Also put him right as to why he's not playing in the DC. Really needs to stop his nasty snide remarks re Andy.
banskogirl
07-04-2012, 11:24
Perhaps someone could have a quiet word or not so quiet word with Frew Mc and let him know that LTA did not support Andy, his parents paid for him to go to Spain and since then has made his own way. Also put him right as to why he's not playing in the DC. Really needs to stop his nasty snide remarks re Andy.
Is it worth the effort? If he doesn't know all this already he doesn't want to know! we just need to spread the truth ourselves ;)
Well they did kinda pay Brad Gilbert a ridiculous salary and let Andy basically have the sole use of him, plus i think Jez is technically employed by the LTA - but don't let that stop the Frew bashing.
Which brings me on to a little pre-boat race sweepstake - the Eurosport coverage starts at 12:45. how long do you think it'll be before one of them has a go at Andy for GB being 2-0 down?
I'm going for 4 mins 38...
Sallydaisy
07-04-2012, 11:44
plus i think Jez is technically employed by the LTA
Umm, I think it is Treacle that is employed by the LTA; Jez is an independent guy working out of the States hence he's around for the Spring and Autumn season there +/- the Oz Open and sometimes the Asian bit in October.
Well they did kinda pay Brad Gilbert a ridiculous salary and let Andy basically have the sole use of him
Yes - and I remember at the time an interview with Sergiy Stakhovsky where he complained that the reason he wasn't a successful as Andy was that Andy had all this money spent on him whilst he got nothing and had to do it all on his own. Interestingly, there's another interview with Sergiy in the News thread today where he's again talking about the money angle.
Yeah sorry Treacle I meant - was reading a story mentioning Jez guess I had him on my mind.
MC's toned it down a bit todaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
Can't find a stream that works? Or is it on the TV today?
Just found one. Only to find that they're already a break down :sad:
Can't find a stream that works? Or is it on the TV today?Eurosport 2
I can't get Eurosport on my TV! But I've just found a stream so OK now.
Commie: "He might have been better off playing that high backhand volley with two hands". Someone laughed at me the the other week for doing that very thing :grrr:
Ist set to the others :sad: And why is the British commie seemingly on the side of the Belgians?
We were serving for the 2nd set but the Belgians broke back :sad:
Meanwhile the Boat Race has been completely wrecked by some idiot swimming in the path of the boats. They had to stop the race (they were pretty much neck and neck) and are going to restart it at the halfway point, which they'd just passed.
Colin & Ross level the match at 1-1 :cheer:
The just restarted the boat race, but the teams clashed oars and one of Oxford's oars was broken. Cambridge are now obviously steaming ahead. Before the race was stopped, Oxford had a slight lead. A complete shambles.
If Andy Murray had been in the Boat Race the oar wouldn't have broken...
GB take the 3rd set and now lead 2-1 :cheer: :cheer:
MurrayAOne
07-04-2012, 15:16
Did I just see the forum crew?!!!
GB break and will serve for the match! :cheer:
And there's our lot waving their flags! :cheer:
MurrayAOne
07-04-2012, 15:20
GB break and will serve for the match! :cheer:
And there's our lot waving their flags! :cheer:
Can anyone tell me who it was please?
MurrayAOne
07-04-2012, 15:20
Come ooooooon!!!!!!!!!!
GB win! :cheer: :cheer: :yahoo:
Colin & Ross do a chestbump :lol:
Sallydaisy
07-04-2012, 15:35
:clap::clap::clap:
Well done Colin and Ross ..... keeps the tie alive until Sunday!
Well played by Colin and Ross! :clap:
Colin & Ross do a chestbump :lol:Thank God nobody mentioned banging thingies together
Well done Colin and Ross.
Good luck to our boys tomorrow. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
hfwardhouse
07-04-2012, 17:57
421
Yay the group made it onto the LTA facebook pics today ....
Sallydaisy
07-04-2012, 18:07
Wahey!
Thanks for posting that Jane. I'm knee deep in pink cupcake mix.
:eek:
hfwardhouse
07-04-2012, 18:31
Oh lovely Sally - can't wait to see the finished article ... you will post a photo won't you ;)
patmoren
07-04-2012, 18:52
Great win for Ross and Colin. Watched in between selling stuff from my husbands workshop. Friends are coming first, will then have a yard sale. Did enjoy the bits of the match I saw. Lots of shots of the am.commers on the live stream. I think I saw everyone by the end.
traveller7
07-04-2012, 20:36
Well done to the doubles team great stuff!
JAMES4578
07-04-2012, 23:37
Certainly was another exciting day and of course fabulous Colin/Ross kept the tie alive with a gutsy win! Maybe a bit tougher than expected and initially the Belgians proved to be quite a handfull but Flemslski found their touch and whilst it was never straightforward thankfully their class shone through in the end!:clap::clap::clap:
Still up against it of course but still all to play for and if Josh can level the tie a great comeback is still a possibility, come on guys!
Wahey! Well done Cross! Tie is still alive :)
patmoren
08-04-2012, 07:59
Going to the Hidden Valley with the grandchildren today but will keep my fingers crossed.
Not sure if a similar story has already been posted but:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-2126791/Davis-Cup-boost-Great-Britain-Belgium.html
Much more hope now, time for the lads to upset the odds :cheer: :trophy:
That's certainly good for us, Goodall and Goffin warming up now!
There's a good shot of our lot! The cameraman has really liked Caro & Gill this weekend.
Oh dear, Goodall broken already :sad:
First set to Belgium. :sad:
A gutsy hold from Goodall but now Goffin will serve for the 2nd set.
Josh saved 3 set points 4-5 now in the second!
nvm: two sets down :crying:
Hopefully Goffin is tiring.
And another shot of our lot.
:sad::sad::sad::sad::sad::sad:
KnightOwl
08-04-2012, 15:03
Oh dear.
Are they playing the dead rubber (I know it won't be televised if they do)?
In answer to my own question, they are - live scores are on Bet365. Dan already a break down :sad:
Bemelmans took the first set 6-4 :sad:
Ah well,
least we had ross/colin to ensure we weren't given a whitewash
Dan serving at 2-4 in the 2nd. Nearly all over :sad:
If only we had as many good singles players as we do doubles!
Of course with Andy we would have won this tie, although I do agree that Andy made the right decision to miss it and focus on clay court prep
patmoren
08-04-2012, 16:26
Shame about the result but we knew it was a big ask and with our No 2 out as well, the hill got steeper. At least we don't go down and can have another go next year. We really aren't good enough without Andy, Colin and Ross, to survive in the World Group any way at the moment. Need some other mens singles to up their game. Maybe try some of the youngsters like Oli, Liam ,George, give them some experience. I think some of the other countries play 18 yr olds.
Yes, I think we need the youngsters in our team. Time to give them some experience, I think.
Sallydaisy
08-04-2012, 16:46
Shame about the result but at least we stay in Group 1 next year.
I've been working this weekend and was up early (6.30am) and am only just back.
So, I missed the tennis completely.
:sad:
Gave up alcohol for Lent (erm, must try harder) so I'm pouring a large glass of cold white wine and chlling out on the sofa with the weekend papers.
:thumbup:
Well when I got to Braehead at lunch time today and heard the news that Rochus was injured, I thought, game on. But Goffin really is one to watch, that boy can run and run and just keep getting it back, and some of his shot making was up there with the best.
For the first hour I was pretty infuriated with Goodall's performance, probably down to nerves I guess (from myself and him), but his ball toss was terrible and he just thrashed at so much on his forehand and it appeared he was only capable of hitting a slice on his backhand side. Had he started the match better with his serve, I reckon he could have taken a set off him and pushed him even more. But to his credit Josh played some really excellent stuff in the second and third sets, and that crazily long match in the third at 2-2, was worth going for.
He did a heck of a lot better than I thought he would over the two days, but I guess we didn't really stand a chance truth be told because Evans was always going to struggle to repeat the heroics from last time. The fact that Dan Evans is now 344 in the world (sure he was around 270 when we played slovakia?!) pretty much sums him up and the crop of senior british male tennis players (Andy barred, obviously). His performance in the deciding rubber against Slovakia was one of the greatest things i've ever witnessed live at an event, but to think that since then he's just done absolutely nothing tells me that the majority attitude of the current crop is pretty appalling, they clearly don't love the game enough/devote enough serious time to it.
Bringing in Goulding, Broady, Edmund etc would be a huge mistake right now, lets not ruin there careers with crushing defeats to unheard of's from Turkmenistan, but there time will come. Let's stick with Evans and Goodall and Ward, and hopefully they can prove me wrong and get there careers to some kind of dignified level, that their abilities deserve.
I agree patmoren - we only just survived in the World Group when we had Henman and Rusedski and that was hard going. I think for a year there might have been an overlap when Andy was first involved but, realistically, unless you have at least two world class singles players and a decent doubles pairing you are on a hiding to nothing. Wasn't Andy only 17 when he first played? I don't think it would do any harm to give some of our up and coming youngsters the experience - it might even help them to bridge the gap between Juniors and Seniors.
JAMES4578
08-04-2012, 21:47
Well when I got to Braehead at lunch time today and heard the news that Rochus was injured, I thought, game on. But Goffin really is one to watch, that boy can run and run and just keep getting it back, and some of his shot making was up there with the best.
For the first hour I was pretty infuriated with Goodall's performance, probably down to nerves I guess (from myself and him), but his ball toss was terrible and he just thrashed at so much on his forehand and it appeared he was only capable of hitting a slice on his backhand side. Had he started the match better with his serve, I reckon he could have taken a set off him and pushed him even more. But to his credit Josh played some really excellent stuff in the second and third sets, and that crazily long match in the third at 2-2, was worth going for.
He did a heck of a lot better than I thought he would over the two days, but I guess we didn't really stand a chance truth be told because Evans was always going to struggle to repeat the heroics from last time. The fact that Dan Evans is now 344 in the world (sure he was around 270 when we played slovakia?!) pretty much sums him up and the crop of senior british male tennis players (Andy barred, obviously). His performance in the deciding rubber against Slovakia was one of the greatest things i've ever witnessed live at an event, but to think that since then he's just done absolutely nothing tells me that the majority attitude of the current crop is pretty appalling, they clearly don't love the game enough/devote enough serious time to it.
Bringing in Goulding, Broady, Edmund etc would be a huge mistake right now, lets not ruin there careers with crushing defeats to unheard of's from Turkmenistan, but there time will come. Let's stick with Evans and Goodall and Ward, and hopefully they can prove me wrong and get there careers to some kind of dignified level, that their abilities deserve.
Agree that Josh didn't get off to the best of starts and whilst a gutsy display in the 2nd and 3rd sets it wasn't quite enough. Any thoughts that they that would be given a lift when it was Goffin playing instead of Rochus were quickly dispelled as he was really impressive and pretty tough mentally throughout. we knrw it was ging to be tough but still disappointing at the end of the day. Evans match with Rochus could well have been crucial and if only he had taken that 4th set! Dan couldn't quite rise to the challenge this weeklend and though somewhat academic thought he was a bit disappointing in the dead rubber where he went down to Bemelmans 6-4, 6-4.
Of couse somewhat gutting that we now won't have another DC tie till next year, though maybe we've been spoiled a bit lately. Of course no doubt some will criticise Andy but I have no doubt that in all likelihood he took the right decision in a demanding year, even if it's a bit of a downer at the moment.
Any idea whether it'll be a home tie next year?
Any idea whether it'll be a home tie next year?
Probably not.....I think last time Steven said that we only had a tiny chance of a home tie...so must be even smaller possibility now....
Hoping that we get a tie that is convenient to travel to.....I quite fancy a trip to an overseas DC tie :)
hfwardhouse
09-04-2012, 12:57
I saw you on the telly yesterday Lizzim! ;)
I saw you on the telly yesterday Lizzim! ;)
Apparently the parents saw us several times over the weekend :)
Bet I didn't look as happy yesterday as I did on Saturday when the boys were winning?!
lankster2003
09-04-2012, 14:55
Probably not.....I think last time Steven said that we only had a tiny chance of a home tie...so must be even smaller possibility now....
Hoping that we get a tie that is convenient to travel to.....I quite fancy a trip to an overseas DC tie :)
Basically we have the GOAT at home (if they lose WG play off) or it's almost certainly away. I'm the same, do fancy an away tie :)
I just wanted to say thanks again to Sally for sorting out the tickets for this weekend (so sorry she wasn't able to make it herself after all that effort) and to those who did make it (especially the Campanile mob!) for helping it to be such a fun weekend despite the result.
It was sad that we lost all four singles matches, but we were playing with our no. 4 and no. 7 against a team with four players ranked higher than our no. 2 and I thought Dan and Josh did as well as could reasonably be expected - certainly there were no signs of either of them giving up at any point (all that kind of negativity seems to have stopped since Leon Smith took over - probably because he never gives up and is supportive throughout, unlike the last DC captain who often looked like he'd given up even before the players did and was more concerned with working out which player would make the easiest scapegoat!) and that's all you can really ask of them.
Josh's match on Sunday in particular was very exciting and certainly didn't feel like a straight sets loss. The GB support during that match in particular was fantastic. Being next to two of the best DC fans around (Caro and Gill) for that match no doubt helped with that impression :) but there's no doubt that the GB Fans were massively out-shouting the very well-organised Belgians during that match, which had not necessarily been the case nearer the start of the tie.
The fact that Dan Evans is now 344 in the world (sure he was around 270 when we played slovakia?!)
A few journalists remarked on this too, without providing any context (a bit sad, since I think that should be a major part of their job), possibly because they weren't aware of why it had happened. Dan dropped more than 50 places last Monday when he lost his points for reaching a Futures Final and the Bath Challenger semis (where he had quite an nice draw) during Miami last year.
Unfortunately, the changes to the ATP ranking system a few years back make it easier to get points by playing Futures than by playing Challengers when you're at that kind of level, i.e. when you're good enough to reach the SFs and Finals of Futures events on a regular basis but you only tend to win the odd match in Challengers most of the time - the points don't reflect the fact that you tend to need to beat much better players to do the latter than the former.
Dan was being more ambitious in March this year playing Miami quals and two overseas Challengers - almost certainly the right thing to do long-term if he has any ambitions to get in the top 200 or higher, but short-term it is much tougher to pick up points that way so your ranking can take a bit of a hit even if you are playing at the same standard as before or better.
KnightOwl
09-04-2012, 15:23
Brilliant comments Steven - your insight is always much appreciated!
We enjoyed your company this weekend - had a fabulous time despite the result, so many thanks to everyone who came for contributing to the occasion - hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did :big grin:
Probably not.....I think last time Steven said that we only had a tiny chance of a home tie...so must be even smaller possibility now....
Hoping that we get a tie that is convenient to travel to.....I quite fancy a trip to an overseas DC tie :)
Here is a list of teams we could meet in R1 or R2 next year (E&OE!) ... blue if it would be a home tie, red if it would be an away tie, black if home/away would be decided by lot because we haven't played them since 1970:
These teams will be in Euro Africa Zone Group I next year if they lose their WGPO ties in September:
Switzerland
Germany (home if ties against the old West Germany are relevant to home/away here - I think they are - otherwise by lot)
Russia
Belgium
Israel
Italy
Netherlands
South Africa
Sweden
These teams will stay in Euro Africa Zone Group I with us next year under the following conditions:
Finland - if they win in Romania in September or lose in Romania but then win at home to Denmark in October
Denmark - if they win away to the losers of Romania v Finland in October
Romania - if they win at home to Finland in September or lose to Finland but then win at home to Denmark in October
Portugal - if they win in the Slovak Republic in September
Slovak Rep - if they win at home to Portugal in September
Slovenia - like us, already definitely in Group I for 2013
These teams will be promoted from Euro Africa Zone Group II if they win in September:
The winners of Latvia v Ukraine
The winners of Poland v Belarus
Dates
September 2012 ties are 14-16 Sep and the final relegation playoff tie (DEN v losers of FIN v ROU) is 19-21 Oct.
DC dates for 2013 are 1-3 Feb for Round 1 and 5-7 Apr for Round 2, with WGPO ties due to be played on 13-15 Sep.
As Lizzim said, there is an even higher chance of having to play away next year, though there was a very high chance this year too, and we somehow avoided it!
In some ways it might be a pity that we got yet more home ties this year, because it means there are two more teams (SVK and BEL) that we are next due to play away. So if, say, Andy wins a slam and then decides to play DC more often, GB could be faced with a long run of away ties as in 2003-5, when we had 6 away ties in a row and did not get a home tie in any of those 3 years. Let's hope it will never be that bad again ... but remember that since that run of away ties, no less than 13 of our last 16 ties have been at home, including 9 of the last 10 and all of the last 6!
The one prediction I am prepared to make is that if we end up with a home tie against Switzerland at some point next year and both Andy and Fed seem likely to play, it probably won't be played at Braehead. ;-)
lankster2003
09-04-2012, 16:10
My thoughts on the tie are overall positive despite the result. Both singles players deserve major credit for the effort they put in.
Looking at Friday, Josh put in a great effort in the 1st set but it did become apparent very early he was going to rely heavily on keeping the points short. His serving was excellent for the most part throughout but Darcis was able to make Josh's flaws more obvious. His returning was never up to scratch (his footwork was lacking which resulted in some pretty random returns, especially on Darcis' 2nd serve) and his backhand let him down too. It was admirable though that he managed to keep it to one break in each of the last 3 games.
Dan's match was different. He was always in the match with Rochus. He has so much more to his game than Josh which was there for all to see. That third set was obviously crucial (I haven't seen THAT point on TV yet) but Olivier's consistency and ability to chase down balls was huge for the outcome. Some of the backhands he came away were sensational. If Dan had been able to maintain the break in the 4th set, think it's almost a certainty Dan would've won as Olivier was not even able to stand up for the post match interview. Olivier's experience definitely told in the end for me.
Going into Saturday there was an air of expectancy of course. Colin losing his opening service game brought back memories of the Delray Beach final. Considering it was their first time playing together, Goffin and Bemelmans were pretty darn good. Their serving and returning was particularly impressive but Colin and Ross started to slowly find their game and started to influence the match more. They had to really maintain their level as you could see from the Belgians' body language that they believed to the very end they could still win.
On to Sunday and we could tell straight away (just as British tennis tweeted) that Olivier wasn't playing as he was at the back of the court with training bottoms on. Although I can't say I thought our chances were going to improve much as you could tell on Saturday what a player Goffin was. For me, Josh played far better on Sunday and was really encouraged at times how he dug in and competed in the longer rallies and he deserves a lot of credit for winning that marathon game in the 3rd set but Goffin just had a bit too much class. He's got the potential to be a top 50 player for sure.
I left at 5-4 in the 2nd set in Evo's match to catch the bus home but you could tell that his heart wasn't in it from the start and Bemelmans pretty much dominated through.
Overall, plenty of positives to take from the tie. Bring on 2013!!!
lankster2003
09-04-2012, 16:12
Here is a list of teams we could meet in R1 or R2 next year (E&OE!) ... blue if it would be a home tie, red if it would be an away tie, black if home/away would be decided by lot because we haven't played them since 1970:
These teams will be in Euro Africa Zone Group I next year if they lose their WGPO ties in September:
Switzerland
Germany (home if ties against the old West Germany are relevant to home/away here - I think they are - otherwise by lot)
Russia
Belgium
Israel
Italy
Netherlands
South Africa
Sweden
These teams will stay in Euro Africa Zone Group I with us next year under the following conditions:
Finland - if they win in Romania in September or lose in Romania but then win at home to Denmark in October
Denmark - if they win away to the losers of Romania v Finland in October
Romania - if they win at home to Finland in September or lose to Finland but then win at home to Denmark in October
Slovak Rep - if they win at home to Portugal in September
Slovenia - like us, already definitely in Group I for 2013
These teams will be promoted from Euro Africa Zone Group II if they win in September:
The winners of Latvia v Ukraine
The winners of Poland v Belarus
Dates
September 2012 ties are 14-16 Sep and the final relegation playoff tie (DEN v losers of FIN v ROU) is 19-21 Oct.
DC dates for 2013 are 1-3 Feb for Round 1 and 5-7 Apr for Round 2, with WGPO ties due to be played on 13-15 Sep.
As Lizzim said, there is an even higher chance of having to play away next year, though there was a very high chance this year too, and we somehow avoided it!
In some ways it might be a pity that we got yet more home ties this year, because it means there are two more teams (SVK and BEL) that we are next due to play away. So if, say, Andy wins a slam and then decides to play DC more often, GB could be faced with a long run of away ties as in 2003-5, when we had 6 away ties in a row and did not get a home tie in any of those 3 years. Let's hope it will never be that bad again ... but remember that since that run of away ties, no less than 13 of our last 16 ties have been at home, including 9 of the last 10 and all of the last 6!
The one prediction I am prepared to make is that if we end up with a home tie against Switzerland at some point next year and both Andy and Fed seem likely to play, it probably won't be played at Braehead. ;-)
We had a good laugh at that. Imagine the GOAT coming to Glasgow :lol:
lankster2003
09-04-2012, 16:14
Think I'd try to go to any potential away tie, South Africa or Russia being the exception
It was sad that we lost all four singles matches, but we were playing with our no. 4 and no. 7 against a team with four players ranked higher than our no. 2 and I thought Dan and Josh did as well as could reasonably be expected - certainly there were no signs of either of them giving up at any point (all that kind of negativity seems to have stopped since Leon Smith took over - probably because he never gives up and is supportive throughout, unlike the last DC captain who often looked like he'd given up even before the players did and was more concerned with working out which player would make the easiest scapegoat!) and that's all you can really ask of them.
Josh's match on Sunday in particular was very exciting and certainly didn't feel like a straight sets loss. The GB support during that match in particular was fantastic. Being next to two of the best DC fans around (Caro and Gill) for that match no doubt helped with that impression :) but there's no doubt that the GB Fans were massively out-shouting the very well-organised Belgians during that match, which had not necessarily been the case nearer the start of the tie.
Dan was being more ambitious in March this year playing Miami quals and two overseas Challengers - almost certainly the right thing to do long-term if he has any ambitions to get in the top 200 or higher, but short-term it is much tougher to pick up points that way so your ranking can take a bit of a hit even if you are playing at the same standard as before or better.
Just wanted to quote part of your excellent (as always) post Steven.
I thought the 3 losses I saw (having left before the dead rubber due to time issues) were promising for the future - the guys were not totally outclassed and never gave up....which some of our players have been guilty of in the past...!
I actually believed that Josh might take the 3rd set but unfortunately it was not to be but lets not forget that both Dan and Josh took a set against players ranked far higher than they are.....!
Whilst Dan's ranking has dropped - for the reasons already mentioned - he is at least trying to improve and play at a higher level....shows he has ambition which is also promising...
I think it was actually quite a promising weekend overall - we didn't win but the matches were close and given the gulf in rankings (except Colin and Ross) that was pretty impressive in my opinion......!
if we get independence soon, we could get an away match against England. quite fancy oor chances too think there highest ranked player is 200 + or summit :p
We had a good laugh at that. Imagine the GOAT coming to Glasgow :lol:http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/rondun/homer-goat-bars.png
hfwardhouse
09-04-2012, 17:36
:lol:
KnightOwl
09-04-2012, 17:39
We had a good laugh at that. Imagine the GOAT coming to Glasgow :lol:
I'm not sure he'd make it out alive :big grin:
few journalists remarked on this too, without providing any context (a bit sad, since I think that should be a major part of their job), possibly because they weren't aware of why it had happened. Dan dropped more than 50 places last Monday when he lost his points for reaching a Futures Final and the Bath Challenger semis (where he had quite an nice draw) during Miami last year.
Unfortunately, the changes to the ATP ranking system a few years back make it easier to get points by playing Futures than by playing Challengers when you're at that kind of level, i.e. when you're good enough to reach the SFs and Finals of Futures events on a regular basis but you only tend to win the odd match in Challengers most of the time - the points don't reflect the fact that you tend to need to beat much better players to do the latter than the former.
Dan was being more ambitious in March this year playing Miami quals and two overseas Challengers - almost certainly the right thing to do long-term if he has any ambitions to get in the top 200 or higher, but short-term it is much tougher to pick up points that way so your ranking can take a bit of a hit even if you are playing at the same standard as before or better.
Thanks for making that clearer, I'd assumed it probably was down to points lost from older results but wasn't sure about the context of the situation.
I think we could probably get to a tie at any of those places except South Africa. I'm not sure why Israel are in the Europe-Africa zone as they are neither in Europe nor in Africa.
I think we could probably get to a tie at any of those places except South Africa. I'm not sure why Israel are in the Europe-Africa zone as they are neither in Europe nor in Africa.think they have problem neighbors same happens in footy they play in euro comps
:doh: Of course. I should have thought of that.
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