Ghana falls in Davis Cup opener

The reign of Ayi Dartey as Captain of Ghana?s tennis team, the Golden Rackets, took off badly after his team lost crucial points at the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Euro/Africa Zone Group III B qualifying tournament, ongoing at the BTA Centre (Notswane Courts), Gaborone, Botswana.

The Rackets failed to survive against a hard-hitting Nigeria side, losing 2-1 on day one. The defeat leaves Ghana with an unimpressive image as one still seeking first competitive Davis Cup match win since May 2004.

Gunther Darkey gave Ghana hope with a comprehensive two sets (6-4,6-4 ) victory over Nigeria?s A.Babalola but, H.Adjei-Darko surprisingly succumbed to a 6-1,3-6,6-3 disappointing defeat against Joathan Igbinovia in the reverse singles.

The Ghanaian pair, recognised as one of the best three in African tennis, failed in the deciding doubles match to propel their West African neighbour to a brilliant launch of a bid for promotion into the lucrative Group II. The score stood 7-6(4), 6-1 for Nigeria.

The Rackets were expected to face host Botswana yesterday, whilst the task of seeing off tournament favourites Cote d'Ivoire looms over their heads.

In 2004, Namibia saw them flourish in the qualifying tournament but the prospects of the Rackets making an impact this time without Coach David Churcher looks too grim. Another defeat would effectively kill off the Ghanaian dream. The fight then will be to avoid a humiliating drop to the lowest of the Davis Cup chain of group rankings.

After 18 years of topflight career in tennis? Davis Cup, the biggest team event in world sports, Ghana?s Golden Rackets have had their fortunes fluctuating between Group II and IV. The record is 51 ties played (26wins,25 defeats).

Standings (after day one, Weds 26 July): Pool A: 1=. Denmark, Namibia (1-0), 3=. Tunisia, Rwanda (0-1).Pool B: 1=. Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria (1-0) 3=. Ghana, Botswana (0-1).

The winners of the two pools will automatically gain promotion into Group II whilst the bottom placed sides slam to Group IV