Boosted by Ricky Mallory's return, Bermuda's Davis Cup squad leaves the Island this weekend confident of promotion to the Americas Zone Group Three.

Coach/captain Steve Bean expects their main competition in next week's Group Four, round-robin tournament in Costa Rica to come from the hosts and Panama.

However, depending on who represents these opponents, Bermuda could finish in the top two and gain promotion.

"Bermuda's chances are very good because last year it was just a point or two here and there that was the difference between us going up and staying down. With a little more experience with Ricky back in, I think our chances are very good," said Bean assessing the situation.

"Our stiffest competition should come from the teams that came down from Group Three - Costa Rica and Panama. They have some ranked players. We have beaten all the other teams (Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and the Virgin Islands) in the division."

Mallory is slated to partner Jenson Bascome in the doubles while the latter and James Collieson handle the singles matches. Teenager Jovan Whitter is also in the squad.

"Ricky is going as a doubles player who will be called upon at times - when we get in those one-set all situations - to step forward with his experience.

"Jenson Bascome has done well playing in the No. 2 spot in singles and he's also been asked to repeat in doubles because of his versatility," explained Bean, who also anticipates "good things" from Collieson in the No.1 singles slot.

Despite frustrations over rainy weather, Collieson - sharpening up this week with a tournament in the USA - Bascome and Mallory have been training together on the Island while 17-year-old Whitter goes through his final preparation at the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in South Carolina, USA.

"He is training full time, getting a lot of matches and exposure and we're confident he is being prepared in the best way possible. He's at an academy where he has all kinds of players and coaches to help him so he should be in top shape," said Bean of the former Warwick Academy student.

The Bermudians arrive in Costa Rica on Saturday and the tournament opens on Monday. As usual, one factor concerning them is the climate.

"The weather always presents a challenge for us. We have lost matches because of the heat, particularly James Collieson who doesn't handle it as well as our other players or his opponents," noted Bean.

Having competed in at least five Davis Cup tournaments, Bascome is well aware of how demanding the schedule and conditions are and has been doing "some little things" on his own to get in top shape.

"I know it will be hot and humid down there and we don't have those conditions here so I've been pushing myself - running and some other stuff - as much as possible so I'll be ready.

"Last year was pretty good and I think this year the team will be stronger and has a good chance of promotion once everyone stays healthy and fit," he said.

The 23-year-old has no personal goals for this tournament and is solely fixed on the team mission.

"This is a total team effort. I just want to play to the best of my ability to help the team in whatever capacity. The main goal is for the team to go up. As long as the team goes up, I'm happy."