Bermuda coach Ricky Mallory has set one task for his players as they prepare to head off to the Davis Cup tournament in Uruguay this weekend. He wants them to rise to the occasion and give it their best so that they can remain in Group III of the America’s Zone.

According to Mallory, the International Tennis Federation is considering bringing back Group IV to the America’s Zone next year. Teams from Group III who fare poorly in this year’s Davis Cup would then be subject to being relegated. This is a fate that Mallory is determined to see his side avoid.

To avoid that fate and keep Bermuda at their present level, Mallory has put together a very strong team, containing some of the top tennis players on the island – such as Bermudian No 1 Gavin Manders, who recently won the Deloitte Open, as well as David Thomas, the second ranked player and Jensen Bascome, the previous holder of the record for most singles wins in the Davis Cup in Bermuda. All three of whom have regularly competed in the Davis Cup for Bermuda and boast a wealth of talent and experience.

Adding to those familiar faces in this tournament, Mallory has also thrown an element of surprise into the mix, bringing Javan Whitter into the team. Whitter is a former Davis Cup team member, but he has not featured in the team since 2006. Mallory knows Whitter well, though, having played alongside him in the Bermuda team that competed in the Davis Cup back in 2003.

Mallory has assembled his team of seasoned veterans in hopes that they can help Bermuda to improve on their seventh-place finish in their group in last year’s Cup.

“I have spoken with the players. They will give 110 per cent,” Mallory said. “I want them to remain in Group III and they will work hard to stay in Group III,”

Joining Bermuda in Group III are Antigua & Barbuda, Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico and Uruguay, who will be hosting the tournament at Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club in Montevideo.

Uruguay are one of the teams who Mallory considers to be the toughest in the group, as they feature world No 23 Pablo Cuevas,

Mallory also considers Puerto Rico and Costa Rica to be tough opponents. Costa Rica and Uruguay were recently demoted from Group II.

Bermuda will have to try and finish not too far behind those three if they are to remain in Group III next year, but with the players at his disposal, Mallory thinks they can stand a fighting chance.

If his side can meet their aim of securing Group III status, Mallory has greater plans for the future.

“This current group of players has done very well, especially if they keep us at Group III,” he said. “But next year I am bringing in younger players that I hope can push us into Group II one day. I will not replace all of the older players though, as I will need some of them to stay to guide the new players. Playing at that level is a lot of pressure, so I will need youth and experience in the team.”

The team leave Bermuda tomorrow and the Davis Cup takes place from Monday to Friday of next week.