Tauranga to host February Davis Cup Tie

Tennis New Zealand along with Tennis Waikato-Bays and Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT) have confirmed Tauranga as the host of the February Davis Cup Tie by BNP Paribas at the new indoor TECT Arena.

The first round Asia/Oceania Group I Tie between New Zealand and Uzbekistan takes place from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th February 2012 at the Baypark venue.

Baypark Chief Executive Ervin McSweeney explains "Baypark and the Bay of Plenty sports fans (are) really excited that TECT Arena is to host its first World Championship event. The Davis Cup is a prestigious international tournament and to host it in Tauranga is a privilege that I am sure the community will respond to very positively. We are extremely grateful for the financial backing of TECT to assist with hosting the event."

The TECT Arena opened in August this year and is already a popular arena for events, the climatically controlled TECT Arena holds 3,700 people and tickets will go on sale before Christmas.

The Uzbekistan team is likely to be led by world number 73 Denis Istomin, who may even appear in Auckland at the Heineken Open Qualifying to familiarise himself with New Zealand's conditions.

The New Zealand team will be announced in January following the Heineken Open in Auckland.