It is not often that you find Zarah DeSilva in the shade.

The Island's number one female tennis player is more often than not to be found centre stage, in the heat of battle.

However, the rigours of Federation Cup action took their toll on her this week and she was rested during yesterday's 3-0 defeat at the hands of number one ranked Bolivia.

The girls had not been expected to come away with a victory at the Carlisle Bay Club in Antigua as they vyed for a top five finish, and it was with that in mind that DeSilva was given a break.

In Wednesday's 3-0 whitewash of Panama she needed attention from the trainer during the first set of her doubles match when she was overcome by the searing Caribbean temperatures.

Playing her again yesterday would have been sheer folly and non-playing captain Kelly Holland knew the most sensible course of action was to let her sit it out in the hope she would be fit and ready for today's match.

Bermuda face Guatemala for seventh or eighth place -- the highest finish they will have ever achieved at the Fed Cup -- and Holland knows DeSilva's presence will be crucial if they are to have the best chance of triumphing.

"I gave Zarah a rest day because I really need her tomorrow,'' said Holland last night. "She is very important and so she had a rest today because she has played twice every day since we got here.

"She warmed everybody up for their matches and has been hanging out in the shade, resting and supporting the team.'' The team's youngest member, Sasha Fisher, may find herself involved today after another sterling performance yesterday.

Although she crashed 6-3, 6-3 to Viviana Rivero, Holland said the 14-year-old tournament debutante gave an excellent account of herself.

"She actually played quite well but it was a tough match. Viviana was just more experienced and had better shots,'' she said. "She made quite a few winners that Sasha couldn't get to. But I think that if she plays more matches like this she'll be able to play with girls like that.'' Holland said despite the loss Fisher was very positive when she came off court.

"I think she was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't a blowout because when she went on there I think she thought `Oh God, Bolivia, they are so good' and they are seeded one,'' she said.

"But she was actually rallying and hitting and playing good points with the girl.''