Africans claim positional matches

Europe's Iceland and San Marino failed to halt the march of African countries Mauritius and Madagascar in yesterday's last day of the Davis Cup - Euro/African Zone (Group IV) tournament which was played at the Marsa Sports Club.

In the final, Mauritius beat Iceland 3-0 and the same scoreline was on the umpire's card at the end of the play-off for third place between Madagascar and San Marino.

There was no particular pressure on the players yesterday as all four countries will play in Group III next season with the Maltese just failing to clinch promotion.

Malta had to settle for fifth place following a 2-1 play-off victory over Azerbaijan on Saturday.

This was a good tournament for Rob Tarpey's team despite missing out on a top-four placing. Young Matthew Asciak again proved he can do really well at this level and so did Daniel Ceross and Philip Zarb Mizzi.

The comeback of veteran Gordon Asciak was a useful experience to the team. Gordon's combination with his son Matthew in the doubles is considered by the Malta Tennis Federation (MTF) as an unprecedented feat in Davis Cup history.

Yesterday, Uganda forfeited their match for sixth place against Azerbaijan after awarding a walk-over.

Organisers said the tournament, sponsored by GasanMamo Insurance Limited, was played without a hitch.

It is reliably understood that the MTF will again bid to host the 2007 Group IV tournament at the Marsa Sports Club.