Belarus at Romania Davis Cup Preview

Belarus at Romania
Site: Sala Sporturilor, Brasov, Romania
Surface: Red clay indoors
Ball: Dunlop Fort All Court

This is only the second year of World Group competition for Belarus, who will likely find themselves fighting to remain among the elite 16 (in the World Group qualifying round) after a go-round on the red claycourts of Romania.

Both Max "The Beast" Mirnyi and Vladimir "The Vladinator" Voltchkov of Belarus are fast-court players and will be hardpressed to ply their trade successfully on the slow clay in a best-of-five series.

Romanian captain Florin Segarceanu says he will lead with experience in Andrei Pavel (24-10 career D-Cup record in singles) and Victor Hanescu.

"We have decided to call up six players and will retain four in the team," Romania captain Florin Segarceanu told Reuters. "Pavel and Victor Hanescu are sure to play in the single matches."

Rounding out the Romanian team are Gabriel Trifu, Horia Tecau, Razvan Sabau and Gabriel Moraru.

Pavel has won two of his three singles meeting with The Beast, but has not faced either of the Belarussians on clay. Hanescu has beaten The Beast on clay, and has never faced the wrath of The Vladinator on any surface.

"Our great problem will be selecting a pair for the doubles, which seems to be the key of the match," Segarceanu said, searching for a pair to face The Beast and The Vladinator.

While Voltchkov will be easy pickin's for the Romanians, watch to see if The Beast can be tamed on day one and the home team can clinch with the doubles by Saturday.