The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHILE the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association is sticking to its decision to award the two spots on the Davis Cup to the winner and runner-up of the Giorgio Baldacci Open Invitational in December, a trial will take place for the final two spots this weekend.

The Giorgio Baldacci Open Invitational in December at the National Tennis Centre served as the trials for the Davis Cup team, but there was some controversy over the seeding of players for the main draw. Subsequently, some of the top players opted not to participate.

As a result, Donte Armbrister went on to win the title over Justin Lunn. The BLTA, in a press statement, noted that both Armbrister and Lunn were automatically named to the team.

On Saturday and Sunday at the National Tennis Centre, the BLTA indicated that it will complete the team selection based on the performances of the top two players. Among those confirmed to participate are brothers Baker and Spencer Newman, Philip Major Jr and Kevin Major Jr.

The two winners will join Armbrister and Lunn on the team that will be captained by Marvin Rolle when the Bahamas heads to Costa Rica to participate in the Davis Cup American Zone III tie in June.

“Despite winning the 2018 Group III Americas Davis Cup, the Bahamas will remain in Group III for 2019 due to the International Tennis Federation’s 2019 Davis Cup Reforms,” the BLTA said in its press release.

“As a result of the reforms a team’s national ranking for 2019 takes precedent over a team’s latest winning results for the compilation of Group II participants.

“Davis Cup 2019 will be held in June 2019. Due to the timing for this year’s tournament play and in accordance with the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association regulations the two top finishers (winner Donte Armbrister and runner-up Justin Lunn) from the recent Open Nationals will serve on the 2019 Davis Cup Team. In addition, the top two finishers from the trials set for May 4 and 5 (Saturday and Sunday) at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) will round out the team.”

The BLTA confirmed that a number of players were invited to participate and accepted the invitation and are seeking that opportunity to represent their country once again, including Baker Newman, Kevin Major Jr, Phillip Major Jr and Spencer Newman.

From this weekend’s round robin trials, two will emerge to join the 4-member team.

“The order of merit for the Bahamas’ team at the Davis Cup will be in order of the highest ranked player internationally,” the BLTA said. “The team is set to travel the week of June 15, 2019 to Costa Rica. Mr Marvin Rolle will serve as team captain.”

The first match-ups for trials will feature Baker Newman vs Philip Major Jr and Kevin Major Jr vs Spencer Newman.

The BLTA is inviting everyone to the invitational trials at the NTC starting this Saturday at 9am.

Saturday at 9am

Baker Newman vs Phillip Major Jr. (Court 1)

Kevin Major Jr vs Spencer Newman (Court 2)

3pm - Baker Neman vs Kevin Major Jr (Court 1).

Phillip Major Jr vs Spencer Newman (Court 2)

Sunday at 10am

Baker Newman vs Spencer Newman (Court 2)

Kevin Major Jr. vs. Phillip Major Jr. (Court 1).