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Davis Cup: India travel to Japan for play-offs

July 13, 2011 16:42 IST

In what can be termed a decent draw, India is pitted against Japan in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie, beginning September 16.

India lost to World champions Serbia 1-4 in the first round of the elite 16-nation World Group and finds itself in the play-offs, while Japan thrashed Uzbekistan 4-1 to advance to play-off stage.

The winner of the tie will advance to the World Group while the losing nation will compete in the Asia-Oceania Group I zone.

India has an impressive Davis Cup record against Japan, having beaten the fellow-Asian nation 18 times in 21 meetings.

The last time the two nations met was in 2008, when India beat Japan 3-2 in the Asia/Oceania Group I semi-finals in New Delhi.

Davis Cup captain S P Misra said India stands a good chance against Japan in the away tie.

"Not a bad draw. Any tie away from home is a tough one, but India have the capacity to beat Japan in their own place," Misra said.

"Kei Nishikori is their best player. I would not say he is a threat, but he is world-class player. We have Somdev, who can take him on," he added.

Misra said since it will be winter in Japan in September, the hosts may choose indoor courts for the tie.

"I don't know what surface they will choose, but even if it's indoors, we will play well. Against Serbia, we did well on indoor courts."

He said there won't be any training camp before the tie and the players are likely to travel to Japan after the US Open.

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