Brazil, Colombia battle for Davis Cup playoff

Rio de Janeiro, April 6 (IANS) Brazil and Colombia will play for a spot in the Davis Cup world group playoff when they meet on the clay surface of Sao Jose do Rio Preto Friday.

The hosts Brazil have not qualified for the competition's elite category since 2003, despite advancing to the playoff round in each of the past seven years.

Colombia is aiming for its first appearance in the world group.

Brazil's world No.45 Thomaz Bellucci said the team had concentrated on serving during training due to the relatively fast-paced courts.

"Every day we have been working hard on our serves because if we can get that right, we are halfway towards winning the tie," Bellucci was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

"After training I have been hitting at least 50-60 serves to sharpen up for the tie."

Bellucci will be joined in the singles by world No. 102 Joao Souza while Bruno Soares will partner Marcelo Melo in the doubles.

Captained by Marc Gorriz, Colombia will be represented in the singles by Santiago Giraldo and Alejandro Falla, ranked 55th and 56th respectively.

Robert Farah and Juan Sebastian Cabal will compete in the doubles.