Nalbandian to miss Davis Cup quarterfinals

LONDON (Ticker) - David Nalbandian will miss Argentina's Davis Cup quarterfinal against Belarus, but Denmark might miss the event for a year.

Nalbandian has not recovered from an ankle injury and will be replaced by Guillermo Canas or Juan Ignacio Chela. Argentine captain Gustavo Luza makes the decision Saturday.

The 22-year-old Nalbandian has had tendinitis in his right ankle since Argentina's first-round tie against Morocco in February. He has not played since a first-round loss in Dubai, missing Masters Series events in Indian Wells and Miami.

Meanwhile, Denmark has run the risk of being banned from next year's Davis Cup after pulling out of its Europe-Africa Zone tie against Algeria next weekend. The encounter was to be staged in Algiers next weekend, but security concerns prompted the Danes to take extreme action.

Fearing the match could be targeted by terrorists, the Dansk Tennis Forbund (Danish Tennis Federation) may have to face the consequences of its decision.

The ITF could impose severe sanctions if they decide that the Danes have acted improperly.

According to ITF rules, the Danes will be unable to play in next year's tournament unless the governing body of world tennis decides that their withdrawal has come in exceptional circumstances.

Rule 16 of the Davis Cup states that, "If, after the draw has been made, any nation withdraws from the competition, that nation shall not be eligible to take part in the competition in the following year.

"In the case of a natural disaster or (war), the board of directors may resolve by a two-thirds majority that no penalty be imposed."

As a result of Denmark's withdrawal, Algeria automatically advances to the second round of the Europe-Africa Zone competition and will play the winner of the Slovenia vs. Poland tie.

The ITF has reluctantly accepted Denmark's decision, saying it has done so "with regret."

The organization's Davis Cup Committee is due to meet in London on April 13, when the matter will be on the agenda.

Denmark may have to pay compensation to the Algerian Tennis Association for loss of revenue. The ITF also has the right to impose a fine.

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