Tennis: Club stars to burn through Cup gloom

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Under the long shadow cast by the Davis Cup loss to Pakistan, most of New Zealand's best players - past and present - will be back on court when the Caro Bowl (Auckland) and North Harbour's Chelsea Cup interclub competitions start this weekend.

In a key clash in tomorrow's first round of the men's Caro Bowl, defending champions Remuera meet Parnell in a replay of last year's final.

Parnell, beaten in the final for the first time since 1996, will hit the Remuera courts running with Dan King-Turner and Steven Downs heading their challenge against a home team spearheaded by former Davis Cup stalwarts Alistair Hunt and James Greenhalgh.

Parnell have listed four South African professionals in their team list, but their appearance on court appears unlikely.

The late withdrawal of Belvedere and Waiata and Mission Bay's relegation has opened the way for Kohimarama, Blockhouse Bay and Pakuranga.

William Ward, back from Pakistan and a junior quarter-finalist at Wimbledon this year, is listed at No 1 for Kohimarama for their home clash with Blockhouse Bay, who have Dan Willman and Nick Turner at the top of their order.

Mark Nielsen, who won both his singles in Islamabad, is likely to play for West End in their away tie with Pakuranga.

Former world No 68 and now New Zealand Fed Cup captain Pavlina Nola will play for Pompallier who are at home to last year's beaten finalist Royal Oak.

Champions Parnell, who edged Royal Oak on a countback last season, have Niki Tippins, Ellen Barry and promising youngster Sacha Jones at the top of their order.

Most of the players will then double up their club play by turning out in Saturday's Chelsea Cup which will be played at the Forrest Hill courts.

In what could be a key match-up, former Davis Cup players Teo Susjnak and James Shortall could clash for their respective Mairangi Bay and Belmont teams.

The Caro Bowl semifinals will be played on November 26 with final a week later.

The Chelsea Cup finals are scheduled for December 11.

Weekend draws

Caro Bowl Men: (home team first): Royal Oak v Pompallier, Pakuranga v West End, Remuera v Parnell, Kohimarama v Blockhouse Bay.

Women: Parnell v Mangere Combined, Bucklands Beach v Remuera, Pompallier v Royal Oak, Kohimarama bye.

Chelsea Cup Men: Browns Bay v Becroft, Northcote v Milford, Mairangi Bay v Belmont, Takapuna v Campbells Bay.

Women: Northcote v Orewa, Milford v Campbells Bay, Belmont v Mairangi Bay, Whangaparaoa v Takapuna.