By Kevin Palmer

Copyright independent

The biggest team competition in tennis will see Ireland take on a Chinese side led by world No.74 Bu Yunchaokete, who has been mixing with the game’s elite players in recent years and recorded a win against top ten star Andrey Rublev last year.

Ireland No.1 Michael Agwi, who has recorded a career high ranking of No.407, will lead the Irish charge in a competition taking place at the Sports Ireland Campus, where a court has been built at the indoor arena for the tie.

“It’s great to be back in Dublin,” declared Niland, who is the last Irishman to play in the main draw at Wimbledon and the US Open.

“We have not played a Davis Cup tie here since 2015 and the venue looks incredible. It’s great to be at the Sports Campus, the home of Irish sport and I’m really looking forward to the weekend.

“The message to all Irish tennis fans is come and support the team in the Davis Cup this weekend.

“It’s a massive advantage playing at home and the players get extra motivated and excited to play in front of friends and family.

“We had a great atmosphere when we played in Limerick last year and I’m sure it’s going to be special to play in front of our fans this weekend.”

Ireland’s Davis Cup ranking has lifted to No.46 after an impressive 5-0 away win against Saudi Arabia earlier this year, with Niland eager to continue the forward momentum in the sport.

“It’s tough to get the rankings up given the number of away ties we have had in recent years, so the 5-0 win in Saudi Arabia was a fantastic effort,” he stated.

“We know this is going to be a tough tie against China, but having the Irish fans cheering us on could make a big difference.”

Ireland are big outsiders in the tie, with Agwi set to carry most of the hopes as he looks to win his two singles matches following an impressive run to the final of the Irish Open , which was staged at Carrickmines in Dublin.

“Michael is really talented, really athletic,” he added. “He’s got a big game and he’s gaining some momentum now. He made the final of the Irish Open and he has done well since then. He still has a lot in his game to improve, but he’s going in the right direction.”

Agwi, Peter Buldorini, Conor Gannon, Ammar Elamin, and David O’Hare are in Niland’s team for the tie against China, with Tennis Ireland CEO Kevin Quinn urging the home fans to make their presence felt this weekend.

“Playing a Davis Cup match on home soil is a very different experience to anything these players experience when they are playing in a regular tournament,” said Quinn.

“The crowd can really get into it and while we want everyone to be respectful during the points, we can be loud in between points and games.

“We want everyone to come and wear their green. If you have a bodhran, bring it. We want to make it a party atmosphere.”

This Davis Cup World Group II tie between Ireland and China kicks off on Saturday, with the first match getting underway shortly after midday.