Working their way up to the top division after being relegated in the year 2013, Lebanon will once again face a daunting task ahead of them as they face yet another demotion test when they face Sri Lanka in this Davis Cup Group II Relegation play offs this weekend.
The contingent that landed last Thursday in line with the Davis Cup clash this weekend have been spending a considerable time in Sri Lanka getting themselves accustomed to the playing conditions ahead of the big clash. Lebanon who started their Davis Cup journey in the year in 1957 has been in existence in the Asia Oceania Division II since 2013. Lebanon in a total have played 90 ties out of which they have secured 46 wins and lost 44. Lebanese Ali Hameedeh takes the top spot for the most accomplished Davis cup player winning 30 of the play offs and losing just 14.
The 2013 premiership in the Davis Cup was not the best of seasons for the middle-eastern nation where they fell mercilessly against New Zealand when they whitewashed them 5-0. Lebanon’s survival in the main division depended on the relegation play off which was against Sri Lanka that played in Beirut. Unfortunate for the hosts, Sri Lanka clinched a 3-2 victory giving them the demotion notice.
Lebanon spent their 2014 season in the Asia Oceania Division III in an attempt come back to the top division. Their performance in the lower division was commendable as they went on to defeat all of their opponents and earn their way back up. Lebanon defeated Singapore 3-0, Iran 3-0, UAE 2-1 & Malaysia 2-0 and got themselves the top ticket. Unlucky enough for the Lebanese side, they had to face the same consequences as Sri Lanka having to face defeat against Chinese Taipei 5-0 and are currently on a relegation series for their survival.
With a daunting task ahead, Lebanon’s non playing captain and coach Hussein Badreddine thinks otherwise.
“I think this should be a perfect opportunity for the boys to get exposure on international grounds and look at bigger grounds in the years to come. We are playing with three players who are under 20 years of age and it will be a good opportunity for them to get themselves adjusted for international competition.”
A veteran himself, Badreddine played his first Davis Cup game way back in 1992 and has been a loyal servant to the sport as a player as well as a coach. Taking up the responsibility of coaching the national side, Baddredine notes that the present team he currently mentors has with them potential to be a heavyweight in the years to come.
The Lebanese team that is currently in the country is playing without their top seed Ali Hamadeh and 25 year old Ibrahim Abou Chahine is the only experienced player in the team having played Sri Lanka two years back.
Lebanese Giovani Samaha will be the top player for the Lebanese team when they play the Lankan lions as he is the highest accomplished player from the Lebanon team having secured a fair number of ATP World points.
Lebanon will also have the services of 17 year old Hady Habib and 18 year old Jad Ballout who will be looking to make themselves some reputation at this tender age.
While the relegation series coming up in a matter of few hours, Lebanon will have to give in their best shot at winning the encounter or else end up in getting the red notice.
