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Brian Swartz · 11-17-2015, 03:41 PM

World Team Cup Wrap-Up

Spain and the Czech Republic met for the second straight year in the finals, both of them having to face stern tests. Germany, Russia, and the US all came within a single win of knocking one of them out. This year, it was the Czechs taking home the trophy, 3-2, as Almagro contributed very little. It was the first title ever for them, and puts them just a hair behind the Spaniards in the overall rankings at #2.

The following week, there were some interesting playoff matchups as well:

** Switzerland(21st) vs. Argentina(5th) -- Both nations are looking forward to their past, with Bonamoni on the decline for the Swiss and Alastra no longer a singles competitor for Argentina. The rankings for the singles players are extremely close, and they split their rubbers, but Alastra's doubles team got the job done and Argentina stays while Switzerland is relegated in a tight tie, 3-2.

** Denmark(14th) vs. Italy(7th) -- Denmark has narrowly avoided relegation once already since making it up to Level 1 a couple years ago. Led by Jens Petersen(29th, age 26), they appear to be about at their peak. Despite their stature, the Italians are trying to make a rebound behind a pair of decent borderline players(mid-30s rankings) in Kinczllers and El Brazi. It was just a couple years ago that they barely avoided relegation to the third tier. This was another very competitive tie, with two rubbers going the full five-set distance and Denmark holding off the challengers, 3-2.

** Mexico(17th) vs. Ireland(11th) -- Mexico's been at the top level for a while but has not seen much success, while the Irish are trying to make it back up, having lost a relegation tie 3-2 against Serbia only just last year. In the rankings the Irish players look better, and a 4-1 Mexico win here was pretty surprising.

** New Zealand(24th) vs. Peru(8th) -- After struggling in Level 2 for a while now, this is New Zealand's first attempt to move up, while Peru was knocked down a couple of years ago and only a poor-luck matchup against us kept them down last year. The Herreras are now nearing their best years, and 8th is probably about right for the Peruvians: they are definitely a nation with the quality to be in the top tier. They beat NZ in the Level 2 final, and even easier here, a 5-0 blanking.

2042 Preview

Switzerland goes down while Peru comes up, a bit of tough luck for the former while Peru makes the top level a little better. They definitely should be here.

Sri Lanka did in fact get a better draw as hoped. We're in Group 4, headed by Spain which is certainly no favor after what happened last year. They may not be as good this year with Almagro on his way out, but they still have Alvarez and Bahana is ready to make his presence felt. They should still be more than a match for us. The other two are Peru(8th) and the Phillipines(10th), neither of which figure to cause any major trouble. Mehul should be able to handle anybody they have, with Girsh getting at least one win to clinch matters.

Sri Lanka's WTC involvement should last a little longer this year; we should be able to make it out of the group stage at least. If we do, a lot will depend on the matchups at that point, and how much Girsh has progressed. This year was Sri Lanka's smallest rise so far, from 26th to 22nd overall as we bowed out after the group stage for the first time. Hopefully next year we can at least crack the Top 20.

11-17-2015, 03:41 PM	#190
Brian Swartz Grizzled Veteran Join Date: May 2006	World Team Cup Wrap-Up Spain and the Czech Republic met for the second straight year in the finals, both of them having to face stern tests. Germany, Russia, and the US all came within a single win of knocking one of them out. This year, it was the Czechs taking home the trophy, 3-2, as Almagro contributed very little. It was the first title ever for them, and puts them just a hair behind the Spaniards in the overall rankings at #2. The following week, there were some interesting playoff matchups as well: Switzerland(21st) vs. Argentina(5th) -- Both nations are looking forward to their past, with Bonamoni on the decline for the Swiss and Alastra no longer a singles competitor for Argentina. The rankings for the singles players are extremely close, and they split their rubbers, but Alastra's doubles team got the job done and Argentina stays while Switzerland is relegated in a tight tie, 3-2. Denmark(14th) vs. Italy(7th) -- Denmark has narrowly avoided relegation once already since making it up to Level 1 a couple years ago. Led by Jens Petersen(29th, age 26), they appear to be about at their peak. Despite their stature, the Italians are trying to make a rebound behind a pair of decent borderline players(mid-30s rankings) in Kinczllers and El Brazi. It was just a couple years ago that they barely avoided relegation to the third tier. This was another very competitive tie, with two rubbers going the full five-set distance and Denmark holding off the challengers, 3-2. Mexico(17th) vs. Ireland(11th) -- Mexico's been at the top level for a while but has not seen much success, while the Irish are trying to make it back up, having lost a relegation tie 3-2 against Serbia only just last year. In the rankings the Irish players look better, and a 4-1 Mexico win here was pretty surprising. New Zealand(24th) vs. Peru(8th) -- After struggling in Level 2 for a while now, this is New Zealand's first attempt to move up, while Peru was knocked down a couple of years ago and only a poor-luck matchup against us kept them down last year. The Herreras are now nearing their best years, and 8th is probably about right for the Peruvians: they are definitely a nation with the quality to be in the top tier. They beat NZ in the Level 2 final, and even easier here, a 5-0 blanking. 2042 Preview Switzerland goes down while Peru comes up, a bit of tough luck for the former while Peru makes the top level a little better. They definitely should be here. Sri Lanka did in fact get a better draw as hoped. We're in Group 4, headed by Spain which is certainly no favor after what happened last year. They may not be as good this year with Almagro on his way out, but they still have Alvarez and Bahana is ready to make his presence felt. They should still be more than a match for us. The other two are Peru(8th) and the Phillipines(10th), neither of which figure to cause any major trouble. Mehul should be able to handle anybody they have, with Girsh getting at least one win to clinch matters. Sri Lanka's WTC involvement should last a little longer this year; we should be able to make it out of the group stage at least. If we do, a lot will depend on the matchups at that point, and how much Girsh has progressed. This year was Sri Lanka's smallest rise so far, from 26th to 22nd overall as we bowed out after the group stage for the first time. Hopefully next year we can at least crack the Top 20.