Adam Jaya back as Davis Cup captain
The national squad will be competing in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group IV competition at National Tennis Centre (NTC) here on July 16-19.
Despite earlier plans to appoint Koay Hao Sheng as playing captain, national head coach Muliyadi Jamal said the vastly experienced Adam was called in to help the squad.
"Yes we did initially plan to have Hao Sheng as playing captain, however, we do not want to burden him as he is also our key player," said Muliyadi during a press conference at NTC today (July 12).
"We need him to remain focused on playing as he will likely be fielded in singles and doubles.
"This is why, after discussion with the Tennis Malaysia (TM) committee, we have decided to bring in Adam.
"He is very experienced and has captained both our Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup sides at least seven or eight times now. We need his services."
Malaysia, relegated from Group III for the first time in history last year, are top seeds.
Pacific Oceania have been seeded second while the other teams in the competition are Iraq, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Qatar and the Philippines.
The countries will be split into two groups. The draw will be held on Tuesday (July 15).
"Although we are the top seeds, I believe Philippines will be the favourites," said Muliyadi.
"As they are unseeded, they can be placed into any group. It would actually benefit us if they are drawn in the same group as us.
"This way we will not have to face them in the promotional playoffs."
The Philippines tennis federation was suspended by the ITF in late 2020 due to governance issues. The suspension was lifted in January last year which is why they are currently making their way back up from the lower divisions in both men's and women's tennis.
The top-two teams from each group will qualify for the promotional playoffs - essentially the semi-finals. The last two teams standing will be promoted to Group III.
Muliyadi is hoping his players will rise to the occasion.
"This is the first time Malaysia is playing in Group IV and I have told the players that we have to make it back to Group III. That is imperative," said Muliyadi.
"When we were relegated last year, we saw the impact it brought. The association and the players were badly criticised by the public.
"We have home ground advantage and hopefully that will boost our players to go for promotion."
Besides Hao Sheng, Leroy Yong, Darrshan Kumar, Daniel Prickett, Naufal Kamaruzzaman and Devesh Sarawanan have been shortlisted for the squad.
Muliyadi will announce the final five-man squad on Tuesday.
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