With the confusion over whether or not Bermuda would compete, the Island?s number one player James Collieson admitted he ?had pretty much blown off? this year?s Davis Cup.

But Collieson, whose 2003 was all but wrecked with various injuries, is happy that he is as close to 100 percent fitness as possible ahead of the event beginning in Costa Rica on Monday.

?I feel a bit like I am going into a test I haven?t studied for,? he candidly told

?But luckily I always try and keep in shape just in case an opportunity arises to go and play full-time somewhere, as a hitting partner or something like that.

?This means I am feeling fine about going to the Davis Cup, although it would have been nice to have a bit more warning. There has been a lack of communication between athletes and the administration on this one.

?But it seems the publicity that has been created around us maybe not going should ensure we have sponsorship in place for the years to come.?

And Collieson said he was grateful for the extra time he will have down in Costa Rica with Gavin Manders, who he believes will be the ?most polished? player ahead of the American Zone Group Four contest because of the tournaments he has been playing in America.

?I think we can be pretty confident despite what has gone on,? added Collieson, who has been hitting with Andy Bray, the only really suitable opponent on the Island to prepare with.

?When Jenson (Bascome) was here over spring break we hit together and that went pretty well. We should be very competitive down there and it could well go down to the last day like it did last year.

?Although this team all come from different backgrounds, we have all gelled well and will all be working hard for Bermuda.?

As number one, Collieson is expected to bear a lot of the burden in the Island?s quest for promotion and could well be playing both singles and doubles on nearly every day of the competition.