The Barbados Davis Cup team is eager and ready for action as they prepare to face Lebanon in the World Group II First Round tie, set for September 12–13 in Cairo, Egypt. The matches will be contested on clay at the Palm Hills Sports Complex, beginning Friday morning.
This encounter marks the first time that Barbados and Lebanon will meet in the history of the Davis Cup competition. Following Thursday’s official draw, Barbados will look to their top player, Darian King, to secure an opening victory against Lebanon’s number two, Benjamin Hassan, in the first singles match.
As per the Davis Cup format, the number one players from each team are drawn against the opposing number two. Thus, after King’s opener, Barbados’ number two singles player, Kaipo Marshall, will take on Lebanon’s leading player, Hady Habib.
On paper, Lebanon enters the tie with higher-ranked players. Habib is currently ranked No. 172 in the ATP singles rankings and No. 472 in doubles. Meanwhile, Hassan sits at No. 196 in singles and No. 220 in doubles, demonstrating his strength across both formats.
Despite the challenge ahead, Barbados is backing experience and chemistry. Non-playing captain Damien Applewhaite has opted for the seasoned doubles pairing of King and veteran Haydn Lewis, who are expected to feature in Saturday’s crucial rubber. The decision reflects the high stakes, as victory is essential to avoid a Group II relegation playoff. Supporting the squad in Egypt are fellow players Xavier Lawrence and Stephen Slocombe Jr.
Lebanon, meanwhile, has taken a different approach, nominating Fadi Bidan and Hasan Ibrahim for doubles duty instead of their top two players, Habib and Hassan. That tactical choice could prove decisive, depending on how the tie develops.
The reverse singles on Saturday may ultimately determine the outcome. King is scheduled to face Habib in what promises to be the ultimate clash of the tie between the No.1 seeds. Should the contest extend to a decisive fifth rubber, Marshall will carry Barbados’ hopes against Hassan.
(AS)
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