serious blow with the news yesterday that Michael Way has dropped out of this year's four-man team.

Work commitments have forced the experienced national team campaigner to pull out of the week-long tournament in Honduras next month.

Alternate Dean Mello, who stepped in last year as an 11th-hour replacement for James Collieson, will this time fill in for Way.

Alongside 39-year-old Mello in the team challenging for promotion from American Zone Group IV, will be Collieson, Ricky Mallory and Jensen Bascome.

Way works for stockbrokers G-Trade, whom he joined last October. He has spent much of his time in recent months working in New York, and is now busy helping the company's operation in Bermuda.

"I'm working long hours and apart from at weekends, I haven't been able to train that much,'' said Way yesterday. "And I don't think that's enough to prepare for Davis Cup.

"Also, I've justed started a new job and March is really not a good time for me to be going away.

"Of course, I would have liked to have gone and I certainly wouldn't rule myself out for future years -- but I'm 34 so there might not be too many more chances.'' Way and the Island's number one Mallory were the singles specialists in last year's team which finished fifth out of seven in Trinidad, winning their first two ties but losing the next four.

By the end of the gruelling schedule of six matches in seven days -- which will be matched in this year's event between March 13 and 16 -- both veterans were injured. Way suffered a pulled stomach muscle and a tricep strain.

This time, Mallory and Collieson could find themselves under similar pressure, though Bascome's experience of playing collegiate tennis for Temple University over the past year could encourage captain Steve Bean to feature the youngster in his singles rotation plans.

Way felt his colleagues would do well despite his absence. "I think they have a decent shot at getting promotion,'' he said.

"Ricky's playing really well and Jensen is playing in school now like James, but I think doubles could prove to be our weakest point.'' Allan Simmons, honorary life vice-president of Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association, admitted it was a blow to lose Way.

"It is disappointing, because Michael is always a competitive player, even though he never seems to get himself in first-class shape,'' said Simmons.

"Last year he won his first couple of singles matches for us really well, but by the third tie he was struggling a bit.'' Simmons added that no decision had yet been made on who would replace Mello as alternate, though that would be decided in the next few days.

Bermuda will face ties next month against host nation Honduras, Antigua/Barbuda, St. Lucia and the US Virgin Islands, as well as the two countries they defeated last year, Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

Michael Way: forced to pull out of next month's Davis Cup tie in Honduras because of work commitments.