It took 22 sets of tennis to separate BNP PARIBAS Irish team and Egypt in this tie, played in 40 degrees of heat in Cairo and also lasting through to midday on Monday 9th April.
Last men standing were James McGee and Sherif Sabry who played a five set thriller which started at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon. Bad light on Sunday evening forced the suspension of play and on the resumption on Monday morning Sabry levelled the tie at 2 rubbers each and two sets all in the deciding rubber. The usual quota of Davis Cup high drama then ensued, with McGee racing ahead on a 5-2 scoreline, only to have Sabry fight his way back into the match as he served at 4-5. McGee took advantage of some tight serving on the part of the Egyptian and had three match points…he took the third one and clinched the tie with a diving forehand drop volley. Minutes later the BNP PARIBAS Irish team were in the hotel pool and it is reported that some beers were used for rehydration purposes.
Full tie results
R1: James McGee defeated Karim Maamoun 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 7-5
R2: Sherif Sabry defeated Conor Niland 2-6, 6-1, 6-0, 6-2
R3: James McGee/Sam Barry defeated Karim Maamoun/Sherif Sabry 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2, 7-6(3)
R4: Karim Maamoun defeated Sam Barry 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-1, 1-6, 6-4
R5: James McGee defeated Sherif Sabry 6-2, 5-7, 7-5, 2-6, 6-4
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