WELLINGTON - The New Zealand Davis Cup tennis team for the Asia-Oceania group one semifinal against Uzbekistan next month contains one change from the squad that comfortably beat Thailand 4-1 in Timaru last month.
Auckland's Mark Thompson joins the team for the difficult away trip to Tashkent, replacing James Shortall who is unavailable because of college commitments in the Unites States. Shortall's college, Mississippi State, is likely to play in the NCAA finals play-offs, and Davis Cup team captain Glenn Wilson says he respects Shortall's decision to stay in the US.
"James is a player of the future and we respect his college commitments at the present time.
"Mark has been one of the form players domestically this summer and his commitment to play on the international circuit over the next six months helped ensure his inclusion," Wilson said.
New Zealand No 1 Mark Nielsen will lead the team for a second time and Alistair Hunt, after his superb form in Timaru, is likely to fill the second singles slot. James Greenhalgh retains his place as the team's doubles specialist.
Uzbekistan are top-seeded in the competition and are led by Oleg Ogorodov, ranked 156th in the world, and Vadim Kutsenko (232).
The tie will be played indoors on a plexipave surface from April 7 to 9.
- NZPA
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