By TERRY MADDAFORD
Danny Willman's good form in local events during the past month has earned him a call-up to the New Zealand Davis Cup tennis team for next month's tie against Uzbekistan in Invercargill.
Willman will be joined for the indoor clash by cup stalwarts Mark Nielsen, James Greenhalgh and Alistair Hunt.
Nielsen and Hunt seem certain to play the singles.
Hunt will team up with Greenhalgh for the doubles.
Greenhalgh has already announced his impending retirement from international tennis.
"It is difficult to see James playing beyond this tie," said non-playing captain Glenn Wilson.
"If we beat Uzbekistan our next tie would not be until September and I can't see him playing enough tennis between now and then to be included."
Hunt, Nielsen and Greenhalgh, with Mark Thompson, played Uzbekistan in Tashkent a year ago and were well beaten, 1-4.
"It should be closer here," Wilson said.
"The indoor surface will be faster and should suit our game."
Willman's ability on that surface helped Wilson in his decision to include him as the singles back-up.
Willman, a 26-year-old from the North Harbour association, won the national under-16 title in 1993 and was ranked sixth among New Zealand's juniors - one place ahead of Nielsen.
He then headed to the US on a tennis scholarship and stayed overseas coaching tennis until deciding last year to give professional tennis a shot.
Uzbekistan will be led by former world No 101 Oleg Ogorodov for the tie at Stadium Southland from April 6 to 8.
Tennis: Willman's form earns him a back-up spot in Davis Cup team
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