unavailable because of school committments.

Bermuda -- making its debut in the competition next year -- will now almost certainly send a four-man squad to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from February 27 to March 3.

Expected to be named are Donald Evans, Michael Way, Billy Way and Steve Bean, and it's unlikely trials will be held prior to the team's departure.

A decision is also pending on whether a tennis team will be formed for the Pan American Games, which take place a few weeks later in Argentina.

Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association vice-president Allan Simmons yesterday confirmed that Mallory, who is attending school in Philadelphia, would not be part of the Island's team, and revealed that Bermuda would compete in Group A of America Zone III.

Bermuda will play two singles matches and one doubles match against each of the four teams in the group -- Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and a group of Pacific Oceanic nations known simply as OECS.

"It's unfortunate about Ricky, but the way I see it now we've got Donald and Michael as our top two singles players and Billy, Donald or Steve Bean for doubles.'' Also to be selected is a coach/manager and that role could be filled by Simmons, who was instrumental in getting Bermuda involved in the Davis Cup.

David Lambert, the head of the tennis pro association, is another possibility.