|
World Team Cup Playoffs
- Denmark (19th) vs. Czech Republic (11th)
A year after surviving a relegation playoff to drop to Level 3, Denmark is trying to promote to Level 1. That would be quite a swing. 20th-ranked Morten Eljersgaard leads the way, but doesn't get enough help against a more balanced Czech team that is facing it's first playoff in some time. The Czech Republic stays up, 3-2.
- Guatemala (21st) vs. Argentina (13th)
This is a rematch of last year; Guatemala is trying to promote to Level 1 for the third year in a row, while Argentina attempts to stay up. The result is still the same; form holds with Argentina winning 3-2. Another case where a single star - Bartolome Riffo, 22nd - can't carry things by themselves against a better overall team.
- Ireland (5th) vs. Canada (10th)
Two Top 10 nations in a playoff is super-rare. This is yet another rematch; Canada beat Ireland 4-1 last year. The challengers are better this season, finishing as Level 2 champions, but they still fall short 3-2 and the Canadians survive again. The worst singles ranking in this matchup is 34th. Ireland absolutely deserves to be in Level 1, and Canada's good enough they probably shouldn't be in the playoff either. This is just a raw deal all the way around.
- Sweden (33rd) vs. Great Britain (15th)
Great Britain tries to promote for the second time in three years and the third in six; Sweden faces their first playoff challenge after a 3-year run at the top tier. Both nations have one quality player and one that isn't; Sweden is led by Patrik Rask (19th), Great Britain by Chris King (28th). Rask wins that battle, and Sweden loses the #2 singles but takes the doubles easily. They hold on, 3-2.
All four decided by a single rubber, and I can't remember the last time there were no changes at all after the playoffs. Everyone stays where they are.
|