Zone Group III and IV tournament comes to Bermuda in April.

The Island's third Davis Cup appearance features one player -- Michael Way -- who has played in the two previous tournaments and three others -- Ricky Mallory, Donald Evans and James Collieson -- who each have one under their belt.

To the surprise of no one, the four were confirmed as Bermuda's representatives for Group IV ties against Costa Rica and an Eastern Caribbean team at a meeting of the six-person National Selection Committee on Tuesday.

Stuart Smith was named an alternate for the team, to be captained by Steve Bean -- a Davis Cup participant in both 1995 and 1996.

Bean, Way, Evans and the late Billy Way were on the squad when Bermuda were beaten 4-0 in their Davis Cup debut in 1995. Last year, Bean, Michael Way, Mallory and Collieson posted a 1-3 record.

This year, Bean vows, will be different. Experience is one factor -- "We're getting to know (opposition) players' games,'' Bean said -- as is the health of Evans and the emergence of Collieson.

Evans, who resides in Washington DC, is back in form after injuring his knee more than a year ago while Collieson, a 20-year-old student at Auburn University, is quietly turning heads with his play.

"He is so close to being number one,'' said Bean.

For the time being that honour belongs to Way. But with he, Mallory and Evans all in their 30s, Bean figures the day isn't far off when Bermuda will be led by Collieson and fast-improving Jensen Bascome, who made the short list for this year's squad, and other young players, such as Daniel Miller and Paul Coleman.

"It's a delight to see,'' said Bean.

The ten other nations competing here (including Group III teams Panama, Barbados, Trinidad/Tobago, Antigua/Barbuda, Guatemala, Bolivia, Jamaica and Dominican Republic) are expected to announce their sides shortly. They will begin arriving at the Southampton Princess on April 26, with competition running through May 3.

STEVE BEAN -- optimistic about Bermuda's Davis Cup chances this year.