Ireland advance in Davis Cup after China force to exit

Ireland have advanced to the Davis Cup World Group II ties in September 2022 after China were forced to withdraw from the competition.

Ireland were drawn to play the Chinese in the play-off fixture, due to be played in early March.

However news emerged today that the outsiders will advance straight to the World Group II ties in September due to Covid-19 regulations.

The ties were due to be played in China and travel and other restrictions make that unfeasible.

Ireland captain Conor Niland said: "The Irish team is pleased to advance through to the next round of World Group II.

"We are all looking forward to the tie in September and relish another opportunity to compete at the most important team event in world tennis."

Ireland defeated Luxembourg and Malta in the main draw last June but lost out to Monaco 2-1.

A 2-1 success over Georgia 2-1 in a fantastic display saw Ireland reach this stage and they will now advance once again thank to China defaulting.

The Irish Davis Cup team is Simon Carr, Ammar Elamin, David O'Hare and Osgar O’hOisin.