Bermuda's Davis Cup players will likely experience mixed emotions today as they take a break from action in the Americas Zone Group Four tournament to enjoy the lone rest day.

First, they should feel suitably pleased with their comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) yesterday which propelled Bermuda to the top of the round-robin standings in Costa Rica.

However, they won't be too relaxed as they contemplate overcoming the might of the host nation tomorrow and, finally, the US Virgin Islands on Saturday.

These three teams - and Panama - have all won two and lost one of their three ties so far but Bermuda is ahead on the basis of the number matches won. Therefore, the remaining two rounds will determine the two teams to be promoted to Group Three.

"This is going to be a showdown. It's going right down to the wire," declared Bermuda's coach and captain Steve Bean last night.

"Those two matches (versus Costa Rica and USVI) are going to be very competitive. We have a tough road ahead so between now and then we'll be preparing for them."

Bean is quietly confident that his team of James Collieson, Jenson Bascome, Ricky Mallory and Jovan Whitter can produce the necessary goods. Against Costa Rica, experience may be on the Bermudians' side also.

"Costa Rica is a young team and I think they are vulnerable. Other teams have had some success against them even though they are seeded No.1. I think we have a very good chance of winning that," reasoned Bean.

He expects a tougher battle against the USVI who lost for the first time yesterday, going down to Panama.

"I think their chances will be as good as ours. It's the last match of the tournament and I think it will be a matter of who wants it the most and who plays the best under these windy conditions."

Regarding yesterday's triumph, Bermuda's team leader was delighted with various aspects of each player's performance.

In Collieson's case, it was the manner in which the Island's top seed fought back, after winning the first set, to pull off a three-setter against Kirtsen Cable 6-1, 6-7, 6-4.

"James started out playing superbly. He won that first set with some unbelievable tennis and then, for some unknown reason - and this is what he said - he just lost the intensity and went down in the second set. But he showed a lot of character and turned it around in the third set.

"We were pleased because James has lost in the past because of his third sets. We're thankful he pulled that out. It's the first time this week that we have won both of our singles," said Bean.

Bascome had a much easier time against the OECS captain Glynn James whom the 23-year-old sent packing 6-0, 6-2, with an awesome display of all-court dominance.

"Jenson is playing better and better each day. He was all over this guy James and beat him with no problems at all. He played his usual all-court game with his groundstrokes and work at the net as well.

"It's really nice to see him play that kind of tennis because we are going to need that in order to take care of Costa Rica and the US Virgin Islands," observed the coach.

Having done their bit, Collieson and Bascome were able to sit back and enjoy the afternoon as their teammates, Mallory and Whitter, put away Cable and Deron Grant 7-6, 6-4 in the doubles.

Though just 17, Whitter hardly looked a teenager in only his second match at this level.

"I thought he represented himself very well for someone at that age and playing for the first time this year," said Bean, adding that the "baby" of the team showed tremendous confidence.

"He goes out on the court and goes for his shots and looks like he's an experienced player; not all nervous and that kind of stuff. Naturally, he's young and he has a way to go but he's always ready and willing to give his best."

The coach noted that the veteran Mallory proved the perfect foil and support for Whitter and things "worked out really well" for Bermuda.