With Spain still mopping up after the flash floods that killed more than 200 people tennis officials have postponed the opening match of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals because of a severe weather alert in the Malaga region.
Organisers said the “decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees.”
While the ties take place at the indoor Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena there was concern over spectators reaching the venue safely.
Wednesday’s first-round tie between Spain and Poland will now be played on Friday, when Germany will also face Britain. Two matches are scheduled for Thursday: Japan-Romania and Slovakia-United States. The winner of the latter plays Australia in a quarter-final on Sunday.
The International Tennis Federation recently announced a donation to the Spanish Red Cross to support relief and recovery efforts in the Valencia region, which was hit by the recent flooding, and Spanish player Paula Badosa said she will donate half of her prize money to help the victims.
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au