India to take on South Africa in World Group play-off

New Delhi:

India will fight it out with South Africa to re-claim a berth in the Davis Cup World Group in an away play-off tie in September.

The International Tennis Federation on Tuesday released the draw, which pits the two teams against each other.

India advanced to the play-off stage after Australia forfeited the Asia/Oceania Group I tie, to be held in Chennai, due to security concerns.

South Africa came through after whitewashing Belarus 5-0 in their Europe/Africa Group tie.

India have lost twice to South Africa in their earlier Davis Cup ties. Last time the two teams clashed was in 1994 and South Africa beat India 3-2 at Jaipur.

The winning team will advance to the 2010 World Group, while the losers will start next year in their respective Group I zonal event.

Reacting to the draw, India's number one singles player Somdev Devvarman said, "It's a good draw for us. South Africa is a very tough team and have quality players like Kevin Anderson, Rik De Voest and Wesley Moodie, We will have to play our best to beat them in South Africa.

"Having said that it also a good opportunity for us to qualify for the World Group," he added.