It's definite ? Bermuda will not compete in Davis or Fed(eration) Cup tennis this year.

That decision by the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) last night heralded the first time in nine years that the Island will not be a part of the zonal battles for promotion in the team event.

A sad BLTA president David Lambert confirmed to the unfortunate news which had been widely expected.

"We were trying to find some way to make it happen but, at the end of the day, we're just not going to be able to finance those teams this year. That's the reality of it," he said.

The Island's inability to field teams in the men's and women's tournaments stems from a lack of sponsorship ? at least $13,000 for either team ? following the withdrawal of major funding from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

That organisation previously underwrote most of Bermuda's expenses in these events. There was also a question mark over the availability of most of the Island's Fed Cup players.

Lambert noted that media publicity on this issue generated a lot of concern and calls to the BLTA office yesterday ? but ultimately still no sponsorship.

"I appreciate everybody's support. People were wondering how is it that Bermuda is the third-wealthiest country in the world and cannot send a team to play among some countries that are a lot less fortunate than us.

"It's the first time since we started playing Davis and Fed Cup in 1995 that Bermuda will not be competing. I hope this is the first and last time it happens," he added.

The president, who will convey the decision to the ITF today, lamented the Davis Cup squad's situation in particular, noting it was felt "we had a good shot at promotion this year".