Ireland had a fantastic win over Barbados in the Davis Cup World Group II tie on 16th and 17th September in Barbados, defeating the home side 3-2.
Ireland have now progressed to the World Group I playoffs in 2023 where Ireland have drawn Peru away the week commencing 30th January.
After Day 1 on Friday the tie was Ireland 1-1 Barbados.
On Day 2, Saturday 17th September the tie resumed with Doubles first where Simon Carr and David O’Hare played against a strong and experienced Barbados pair (Darian King and Haydn Lewis)
Simon Carr and David O’Hare won 7-6, 6-3 in a thrilling match lasting 1 h4 44 mins total.
Ireland led the tie 2-1.
In the second match of the day (fourth match of the tie), Ireland’s No.1 Simon Carr faced Barbados No. 1 Darian King.
Darian won an early break which set him up to win the first set 6-3. Darian proved too strong and went on to win the match 6-3, 6-2.
After this match the tie results were Ireland 2-2 Barbados.
It all came down to the fifth and final match of the tie between the no.2 singles with Osgar O’hOisin facing Kaipo Marshall instead of Matthew Foster-Estwick as Barbados made a change in their team.
From the start Osgar dominated the match, getting an early break and holding his serve games with great ease.
Osgar cruised through the first set winning 6-0.
At 2-0 up in the second set and at Marshalls advantage in the third game, the rain poured down and the match was suspended where thunder and lightning took over in what was a tropical storm.
It rained for an hour but with both teams eager to get back on court to finish the tie, the Ireland team went on court and helped the volunteers dry the court in order to finish the match before sunset at 6pm when play would not be possible.
At 5.15 the match resumed with Osgar bringing the game back to deuce and then advantage and proceeded to lead 3-0 in the second set.
Kaipo started to find his rhythm in the second set but Osgar still dominated and Kaipo was no match for the Irishman with Osgar securing the win 6-0, 6-3 for Ireland to progress to Davis Cup World Group I playoffs, the most significant achievement the Irish Davis Cup team has experienced in years.
Tennis Ireland would like to thank the ITF for all their work and the Barbados Tennis Federation for the great work of hosting the event.
We look forward to more news on the next tie against Peru in 2023.
