By TERRY MADDAFORD
Davis Cup captain Glen Wilson today gets the chance to cast his eye over prospective team members in the qualifying tournament for next week's international at Stanley St.
At least four Kiwi players will have wildcards into this weekend's qualifiers for the Heineken Open.
Tournament director Graham Pearce said he
was keen to cooperate with Wilson before deciding who would get their chance.
"We have always worked closely with New Zealand Tennis," said Pearce. "We are keen to do all we can to help Glen Wilson."
Kiwi No 1 Mark Nielsen is already assured of his place in the main draw of the Vodafone singles - to be made this afternoon - as one of three players given wildcards.
James Greenhalgh, Lee Radovanovich, Alistair Hunt and Robert Cheyne get their chance in the qualifying tournament.
James Shortall, who made his Davis Cup debut against Thailand in the dead singles rubber in Timaru last year, was not considered as he has made himself unavailable for next month's tie against South Korea in Seoul.
Danny Willman, probably next on the list, is coaching in the United States and will not be in the Auckland tournament.
As New Zealand's top-ranked doubles pairing, Greenhalgh and Hunt will get a wildcard into the main doubles draw.
"Mark Nielsen has yet to decide whether he will play doubles," said Wilson.
"But if he does he is likely to play with a foreigner.
"I will probably name the Davis Cup team on Tuesday or Wednesday, so getting these wildcards gives them a little more to play for."
The first two rounds of singles qualifying will be played over the weekend with the third round - which will find the four players to go into the first round of the main draw - being played on Monday.
All first-round singles matches should be completed by Tuesday.
There will be night play on the first four days of the Heineken tournament.
