India's Davis Cup tie under lights

In an effort to lure more spectators for the Asia Oceania Davis Cup tie between India and Indonesia to be held from April 5-7, the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association has decided that it will be a floodlit affair.

“We have taken special permission from the ITF to stage matches late in the day. It will give Bangaloreans a chance to watch all the ties leisurely,” said KSLTA secretary and AITA joint secretary CS Sunder Raju.

“The decision to hold the matches in the afternoon was to ensure larger participation of public in the event. On the opening day (April 5), the first tie would start at 3 pm, followed by the second singles. The doubles match on the second day will start at 5 pm. The reverse singles on the third and final day will be played from 3 pm. We expect the ties on all three days to stretch beyond dusk. We have adequate lighting system as per ITF specification,” he added.

The centre and practice courts have been relaid. Said KSLTA joint secretary Ramaswamy, “The All India Tennis Association wanted a slower surface and we had specialists from Delhi to redo the surface. The players’ lounge and other facilities have been refurbished. The tickets will be moderately priced and will go on sale from early next week.”

KSLTA last hosted a Davis Cup tie in August 1985 when India, made up of Vijay Amritaj, Anand Amritraj, Ramesh Krishnan and Sashi Menon, lost to Sweden 1-4 in the quarterfinals. Mats Wilander, Anders Jarryd, Stefan Edberg and Joakim Nystrom formed the Swedish team. India’s lone victory came when Vijay beat Wilander 8-6 9-7 in the reverse singles.

@DNA