Andy Murray and Scottish tennis

[maryb]

As we say in Scotland, "Ya absolute dancer!" ;D Scotland to host GB Davis Cup tie April 2006

I've been sitting on this for months as I knew they were negotiating the venue with Braehead. The Davis Cup will be in Braehead arena in April 2006!

The venue is only about 15 mins from where I work - the local council that will be hosting it. We are absolutely over the moon to be hosting the Davis Cup. It's been so long since it's been in Scotland - over 30 years. Yippeee. Extract from BBC website: (although I have to say I'm disappointed they say 'Glasgow', it's not. It's RENFREWSHIRE!


I am sure the Scottish crowd will get behind the team and create a fantastic atmosphere
Andy Murray

Glasgow's (aaargh - Renfrewshire, and don't you guys forget it!) Braehead Arena has been chosen as the venue for Great Britain's Davis Cup tie against Serbia & Montenegro or Israel in April.
The last time Great Britain played a tie in Scotland was in 1970 when they faced Austria in Edinburgh.

The GB squad has a number of Scottish players, including Andy Murray.

Team captain Jeremy Bates said: "We are delighted to finally have a home tie and the team are looking forward to playing in Scotland."

The second-round Euro-African Zone Group One tie will be the first in Britain since September 2002 when Great Britain defeated Thailand.

Serbia & Montenegro, who also have a rising star in 18-year-old Novak Djokovic, are the likely opponents as they are expected to beat Israel.

"This is going to be a tough tie," added Bates, "but I'm sure the tremendous support we will get from the crowd will be invaluable.

"It is important that we stage ties at locations throughout Great Britain and this home tie is a fantastic opportunity to reach out and inspire a new generation of British players."

Murray, who is playing for a Scotland team against England this weekend in Aberdeen, is relishing the prospect of another appearance in his home country.

He said: "It is great for Scotland that for the first time in over 30 years a Davis Cup tie is being held there.

"I am sure the Scottish crowd will get behind the team and create a fantastic atmosphere."

[maryb]

The LTA press release for info: ;D

BRAEHEAD ARENA ANNOUNCED AS VENUE FOR APRIL 2006 DAVIS CUP TIE

The LTA is pleased to announce that Braehead Arena in Renfrewshire, Scotland has been chosen to play host to the forthcoming Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie between Marsh Team GB and either Serbia & Montenegro or Israel on 7th to 9th April 2006.

The second round Euro-African Zone Group One tie will be the first in Britain since September 2002 when Great Britain defeated Thailand. The Braehead Arena can accommodate 3,900 spectators for each day’s play and tickets for all three days of the tie will go on sale to the public from 12 noon on Monday 5th December. The box office number is 0870 444 6062 and website details are: www.ticketmaster.co.uk

It is only the second time in forty years that Scotland has staged a Davis Cup tie; the last occasion was in 1970 when Great Britain hosted Austria in Edinburgh. The staging of the tie in Scotland has been made possible by the support of EventScotland, Renfrewshire Council and the Braehead Arena.

Jeremy Bates, GB Davis Cup Captain, said: “We are delighted to finally have a home tie after three and a half years on the road and I know the team are looking forward to playing in front of our home fans in Scotland. This is going to be a tough tie, but I’m sure the tremendous support we will get from the crowd will be invaluable. It is important that we stage ties at locations throughout Great Britain and this home tie is a fantastic opportunity to reach out and inspire a new generation of British players.”

Andy Murray said: “It is great for Scotland that for the first time in over 30 years a Davis Cup tie is being held there. I am sure the Scottish crowd will get behind the team and create a fantastic atmosphere."

Greg Rusedski said: “In the ten home ties I have played for Great Britain I have been overwhelmed by the support that the British public have given us and it has always given the entire team a massive boost.”

Paul Bush, Deputy Chief Executive of EventScotland, who are supporting the tie, said: “EventScotland is delighted to have played a significant role in bringing the Davis Cup back to Scotland for the first time since 1970. Our investment and support of £100,000 will help to provide additional staging and infrastructure inside the Braehead Arena to ensure it is ready to host top class tennis. Attracting the Davis Cup provides further evidence of Scotland’s growing reputation as a world class destination for international events and we look forward to working with the Lawn Tennis Association and Renfrewshire Council.”

Cllr Jim Harkins, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: "I am delighted that the Davis Cup tie is coming to Renfrewshire. Attracting such events which increase visitor numbers to the area is a key component of our economic strategy. Our local hotels and businesses will also benefit from this prestigious event."

Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson welcomed the announcement that the Davis Cup is coming back to Scotland: “Attracting the Davis Cup is a great coup and reinforces our determination – through EventScotland - to attract high profile events like this to Scotland. Interest in Tennis is booming in Scotland with participation levels growing and interest in the sport at a record high.”

Gavin Fletcher, Tournament Director, said: “We are delighted to be staging this forthcoming tie in Scotland at the Braehead Arena and would like to thank both Renfrewshire Council and EventScotland for the strong support we have received to help make it happen.”

[Annie]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! Congrats Mary!!!! you'll have a blast I am sure!!! And I can't wait for the Murray-Djokovic match ;D ;D ;D

[jewell]

What is the capacity of this Scottish venue?

[SAFINNO1]

i think 3 000. Small really but the atmosphere will be incredible. Also good for scottish fans to see GB Win for a change
Murray - Hopefully to play Djokovic should be interesting

[marats]

Interesting games i think so ?

[lau]

safinno1 said:

Murray - Hopefully to play Djokovic should be interesting

I would really like to see that!! I like a lot Djokovic and it would be interesting watching the young guys playing such an important match! ;D

Good to know it will be played in Scotland. They deserve it

[SAFINNO1]

Oh well he will have to get past Greg first and help Scotland beat England in the Aberdeen cup this weekend

Here is the schedule for today and tomorrow
Saturday 26th November
5pm J Murray (Scotland) vs Sherwood (England)
6pm Henderson (Scotland) vs Sawyer (England)
7pm Baltacha (Scotland) vs O'Brien (England)
8pm A Murray (Scotland) vs Rusedski (England)

Sunday 27th November
5pm A Murray and J Murray vs Sherwood and Rusedski
6pm Scott Lister vs Oliver Golding
7pm J Murray and Baltacha vs Sherwood and O’Brien
8pm Rusedski vs A Murray

MATCH FORMAT

All matches - with the exception of the junior challenges and the two singles clashes between Andy Murray and Greg Rusedski - will be 2 set matches. In the event of the scores drawing level at 1-set all, the match will be decided by a tie break.
Both singles matches between Murray and Rusedski will be best of three sets.

The two junior matches will be played in the form of a Champions Tie-Break. This follows the same format as a regular Tie-Break, though the winner will be the first to 11 points with 2 points clear.

TEAM SCORING
A total of seven team points will be on offer over the two day challenge - one point awarded for each senior match won and half a point for each junior challenge.

[Annie]

That's quite fun actually!!!! It's like Russia-Belorussia DC tie a couple of years ago LOL

[SAFINNO1]

Latest score

Scotland 1-1 England

Jamie Murray (Scotland) lost toDavid Sherwood (England) 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4)
Elena Baltacha (Scotland) beat Katie O'Brien (England) 6-1 6-2

Latest score
Andrew Murray 4-4 Greg Rusedski

[marats]

Thanks for the info !!

[SAFINNO1]

Well unfortunately Murray lost 7-5 7- (8-6) in a highly entertaining match.
so at the end of day 1 England lead Scotland 2-1/2

David Sherwood (England) bt Jamie Murray (Scotland) 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7-4)

Clare Sawyer (England, jnr)lost to Joanna Henderson (Scotland, jnr) 11-4

Katie O’Brien (England) lost to Elena Baltacha (Scotland) 6-2 6-1

Greg Rusedski (England) bt Andrew Murray (Scotland) 7-5 7-6 (8-6)

[marats]

Rusedski beat Murray ....... interesting !!!

[Annie]

WOHOOOOOOOOOOO GREGY!!!!!!!!!!!!! That must have been an entertaining match to watch considering the score ;D

[marats]

So sorry i've could have seen that match !!!!