Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
JAMAICA WILL now have to face Guatemala in a crucial Davis Cup elimination play-off in April which will decide whether it remains in Group II, following a crushing 5-0 loss to the Dominican Republic, which wrapped up at the Centro Espanol Stadium over the weekend.
Already down 3-0 on Sunday the Jamaican's failed to win a match. Reserve player Elvis Henry lost out 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 to the Dominican Republic's number two player Henry Estrella, while Jamaica's number two player Scott Willinsky failed to beat the Dominican Republic reserve Jesus Felix when he was turned back 2-6, 7-6(3), 3-6.
DEFEATED CUBA
The situation was a little different for Guatemala as they were narrowly edged out 3-2 by the Netherland Antilles. Having lost to the Dominican Republic in last year's group tie, the Jamaicans were able to stay in the group by defeating neighbours Cuba 3-2 at the Liguanea Club in Kingston.
In head to head play Guatemala have a commanding 4-1 series lead with wins coming in 1993, 1994 and twice in 1999. However, the Jamaicans have the most recent victory, turning back the Dominican Republic 2-1 in 2003.
Jamaica should be bolstered by the fact that they will be back on their favourite hard court surface. They will also be encouraged by the availability of collegiate players Damar Johnson who attends the University of Louisville and Dominic Pagon who attends the William & Mary College. The players had been unavailable for the tie in the Dominican Republic due to the NCAA circuit being in mid-season. Johnson put in a solid performance when the team won the tie against Cuba to preserve its Group II status.
