Ireland crash to defeat in Federation Cup

IRELAND’S prospects of promotion in the Federation Cup was in the balance after Georgia crushed them 3-0 in the second series of matches in Atalya, Turkey yesterday.

Ireland’s performance was in complete contrast to the white-washing they handed out to Norway the previous day and victory against Latvia in today’s final group tie is essential for Owen Casey’s team if they are to get a shot at promotion tomorrow.

Yvonne Doyle and Karen Nugent will be seeking better results against Latvia given that later in the day Tennis Ireland’s CEO Des Allen will be making a special appeal at the meeting of the Irish Sports Council in Dublin to have both Doyle and Nugent restored to the carding system.

Doyle was first to lose yesterday 6-4, 6-1 to Tiatin Kavlashvili but worse was to follow when Ireland’s new hope and number one Anne Mall, the Irish American who was recently cleared to play for Ireland, lost out to Margalita Chakhnashvili 6-4, 6-1.

The doubles ended in defeat for Rachel Dillon and Karen Nugent going out to Salome Chakhnashvili and Tatia Mikadz 6-3, 6-4.