Ghana survive Davis Cup relegation scare

Ghana's Golden Rackets have joined Denmark, Namibia and Nigeria for the 1st-4th place play-off stage of the ongoing round robin Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Euro/Africa Zone Group III qualifying tournament in Botswana.

After the opening lacklustre performance against Nigeria, the Rackets gained the advantage thereafter after two impressive victories on the hard-outdoor courts of Gaborone. According to tournament rules the top two teams from this round-robin group are promoted to Europe/Africa Zone Group II in 2007.

The Rackets emerged 3-0 and 2-1 winners respectively over pre-tournament favourites Cote D'Ivoire and host Botswana.

A combination of strong service returns created opportunities for Ghana at the net as the pair of Henry Adjei-Darko and Gunther Darkey won the doubles of the match against the Ivorians 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. Darkey had recorded his second singles success after a 6-1,6-2 win over a low-key T.Nugent, hours before top seed Adjei-Darkey overwhelmed C.Irie 6-2,6-4.

Tunisia, Rwanda, Cote d'Ivoire and Botswana advance to the 5th-8th place play-offs, the determinant of the two teams to be relegated in 2007 to Europe/Africa Zone Group IV.

Two years ago Ghana qualified after placing second in an eight-nation qualifying tournament in Namibia which Cote D'Ivoire finished winners. Two defeats on home soil against highly fancied Finland and Georgia in 2005 resulted in Ghana's downgrading again.