Star Africa
By: Kevin Sanchez (with F.S)
Tennis/Davis Cup: Morocco looses at death
Morocco over the weekend hosted Monaco in a group II play-off encounter. However, the Moroccans fell at home to Monaco and will now be drawn in group III in 2013.
The Moroccans wanted a double hit at home: put up a strong performance at home and reamin in group II. Despite their strong outing, their defeat means they will now be relegated to group III next year.After winning the first encounter, Morocco had all reasons to hope as Yassine Idmbarek defeated Benjamin Balleret , who was the highest ranked Monaco player; Idmabarek is ranked 1061 while Balleret is ranked 318. However, the 24-year old Moroccan over came this hurdle to win in three straight sets 7-5 7-5 6-3. However, in the other game, Morocco’s leader, Mehdi Ziadi, ranked767 fell to Jean René Lisnard, ranked 396 in four sets 6-7(4) 4-6 3-6, to bring both sides at 1-1.The next day, the Moroccan pair Anas Fattar-Mehdi Ziadi, sensationally defeated the Monaco pair composed of Guillaume Coullard-Thomas Ogier in three straight sets 6-4 7-5 7-5. But the last two encounters proved costly for them as they defeated. Monaco’s Benjamin Balleret recovered from his defeat in the first game to beat Anas Fattar Anas Fattar :
1-6 4-6 2-6. In the fifth encounter, Jean René Lisnard won his second game against Yassine Idmbarek 4-6 4-6 6-4 6-7(3) to put the final score at 2-3 in favour of Monaco. Morocco will now be drawn in group III next year.
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