Irish-American Anne Mall will lead Ireland against Norway when the Fed Cup begins in Antalya, Turkey, today. Ireland were put into yesterday's draw as the number-two seeds with the eight teams divided into two groups. Top seeds Romania head the opposite group to Ireland's.
The eight contestants in seed order are Romania, Ireland, Finland, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Tunisia.
After the Norway tie Ireland face Georgia tomorrow and Latvia on Friday. The winners of Ireland's group face the runners-up in Romania's group but because matches will be played on slow red clay the seedings could count for little.
Of the Irish only Mall has had regular experience of clay-court play over the past 12 months. The initial plan is for Mall to play number one singles with Yvonne Doyle at number two. Karen Nugent links up with Mall for doubles. Rachel Dillon is the fourth member of the Irish team.
Mall - recently cleared by the ITF to play for Ireland - is expected to prove a key figure in the Irish challenge.
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