Amid security concerns: British Davis Cup team set for final against Belgium

Paris attacks suspect believed to be hiding in capital 55km away from venue

LONDON: The British Davis Cup team was preparing to set out for Belgium on Monday for a Davis Cup final cast into doubt by the terror attacks that killed 130 people in Paris.

The final is in Ghent, but that city is just 55 kilometres away from Brussels, which remained on maximum security alert for a third day amid fears of further violence.

Schools and universities were shut in the capital and the Metro system once again was not operating after Belgium police carried out a series of raids and arrests but failed to find key Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam, who was thought to be hiding somewhere in the city.

ATP World Tour Finals: Beaten Murray now eyeing Davis Cup history

The British team, led by world number two Andy Murray had been due to fly out on Sunday, but delayed their departure by 24 hours to see how the situation evolved.

The tennis final is being played in the 13,000-seat Flanders Expo, which is sold out for all three days starting on Friday.

More than 1,000 British fans were expected to attend to see if they can celebrate a first Davis Cup title win since 1936, with most of them travelling through Brussels by air or rail.

International Tennis Federation (ITF) president David Haggerty said on Saturday he was “greatly concerned” by developments but that preparations for the tie would continue.

World Tour Finals: Murray, Nadal hush critics with dominant wins

Former British number one Tim Henman, though, has cancelled his plans to attend the final.

Henman also had words of support for team leader Murray who lost two ties in straight sets — to Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka — at last week’s ATP World Tour Finals in London.

“I think it was evident in his performance at the O2 that he was a bit distracted, and that’s perfectly acceptable when you’ve got a Davis Cup final around the corner,” said Henman. “I’m sure he’ll continue as he has done all year and carry the team and do the job out there.”

Federer, Nadal impress in Paris

Murray has been the driving force behind Britain’s run into the country’s first Davis Cup final since 1978, winning all eight of the rubbers he has played — six singles and two doubles — against the US, France and Australia.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2015.

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