TIMELY DAVIS CUP BOOST FOR BRITS

GReAT BRITAIN’S chances of staying in the top tier of the Davis Cup at this pivotal moment in its history was enhanced when they were given a favourable relegation play-off draw at home to Uzbekistan. Leon Smith’s team will face one of the weaker nations from September 14-16 in their attempt stay in the elite 16-team World Group. That is especially important with the possibility that, subject to an International Tennis Federation vote in August, the sport’s premier team competition could morph into a one-week event for the best nations under plans led by footballer Gerard Pique. Uzbekistan’s top player is world No 88 Denis Istomin, beaten by Kyle edmund (right) at the Australian Open, but beyond him they lack depth — their next man up is Sanjar Fayziev, ranked 382. even if Andy Murray didn’t play, Smith would expect GB to have enough to stay at the highest level, whatever form the Cup takes. The Lawn Tennis Association would not comment about possible venues but Glasgow must be an early favourite, and there is nothing booked in at the city’s emirates Arena that week. The benign draw contrasts sharply with Britain’s women’s Fed Cup team, who go to Japan next week in an attempt to make World Group level. MATCH referee Jeff Crowe has called the recent South Africa-Australia series the most ill-tempered he has seen in cricket. It saw several clashes between players and ended with Aussie captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opening bat Cameron Bancroft banned for ball-tampering. ‘Never in my 14 years of refereeing have I seen such animosity between two teams,’ said Crowe’s report to the ICC. South Africa won the four-Test series 3-1.