Minsk hosts Belarus vs. Ireland Davis Cup match

A draw of the Belarus vs. Ireland match in Group II of the Europe/Africa zone of the Davis Cup was held at the Minsk Town Hall. Dmitry Zhirmont and Daniel Glancy meet in the first match. The first day also features a tie between Belarus’ Yegor Gerasimov and Ireland’s John Morrissey. On 1 February the doubles match will be held. In line with Belarusian captain Vladimir Volchkov’s decision, Max Mirnyi and Alexander Buryi will defend Belarus’ colors in this encounter. They will be opposed by James Cluskey and David O'Hare picked for the match by Ireland’s skipper Garry Cahill. The remaining singles matches will take place on 2 February. Belarus and Ireland met each other once at the same stage in Dublin in 1999, Belarus overpowering the hosts with an aggregate score of 4:1. Back then, Belarus team included Max Mirnyi, Vladimir Volchkov and Alexander Shvets. This will be Max Mirnyi’s 48th match in the Davis Cup for his national team.

In the ITF Davis Cup Nations Ranking Belarus are 53rd while Ireland are five places behind.