Bermuda will face host nation Puerto Rico in their opening Davis Cup Americas Zone Group III round robin match today.

The two countries will play in a best of three series, featuring two singles and a doubles match, on the Stadium Court at the Palmas Athletic Club in Palmas Del Mar, Humacao. Bermuda, who are ranked 128th in the world rankings, will enter today’s match as the underdogs against Puerto Rico who are ranked 55 places above them.

Ricky Mallory, the Bermuda’s non-playing captain and coach, is wary that his charges have their work cut out for them but is optimistic they can come away with the desired result.

“We have a strong team and we will be ready to battle it out against the host nation,” Mallory said. Flying Bermuda’s flag will be Gavin Manders, David Thomas, Jensen Bascome and Neal Towlson.

Also pitted in Pool B along with Bermuda and Puerto Rico are Costa Rica, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

“We are in a tough draw but all of the teams here are solid,” Mallory added.

Pool A is comprised of Bahamas, Honduras, Panama and Cuba. The two top teams will gain promotion spots to the Americas Zone Group II for next year up for grabs.

The winner of Pool A will play-off against the runner-up in Pool B and the winner of Pool B will play-off against the runner-up in Pool A to determine which two nations are promoted. Bermuda arrived in Puerto Rico on Saturday and wasted no time acclimatising to the warmer climate and new surroundings.

“The facility is top notch,” Mallory said. “The temperature is 90 degrees but the team have been adjusting to the heat.

“They had two training sessions today [yesterday] and are ready for Puerto Rico.”