25 Feb Algeria Name Squad for Davis Cup Tie Against the Irish
Ireland’s next Davis Cup opponents, Algeria have announced their team today (February 25th) for next weekends Group II Euro/Africa zone tie.
The considerable absence of Algerian No.1 Lamine Ouahab, a player currently ranked at 165 in the world, from the Davis Cup line-up will prove to be a boost to Irish chances. The Algerian federation have announced that the team will be Eddy Chala, Slimane Saoudi, Quassel Hared, and Abdel-Hak Hameurlaine – Non-Playing Captain for the tie will be Saifi Batichi.
Although only Eddy Chala is the only Algerian on the team currently ranked on the ATP circuit (No. 1266) the remaining squad boast a wealth of past Davis Cup experience. French-born Chala will play as No.1 for the team and will be making his Davis Cup debut under the flag of Algeria against Ireland. At 24 Chala is also the youngest player on the squad, with the remaining three North Africans well into their thirtys. Slimane Saoudi (33), Quassel Hared (35) and Abdel-Hak Hameurlaine (36) may not have any current ATP rankings, but a combined total of 99 appearances at Davis Cup level and the advantage of the familiar North-African clay courts to play on they will certainly ensure that the Irish will have to fight for every point to advance to progress into the Second Round of Group II Euro/Africa Zone to face either Portugal or Cyprus in July.
5th Mar – Latest Score – Algeria v Ireland
27th Feb – Ireland Prepare for Algeria at National Tennis Centre
12th Feb – Irish Davis Cup Team Announced
7th Jan – Algeria Announce Venue For Davis Cup Tie