Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president Michael Wolfe is optimistic the island’s young players will perform well at the ITF Junior Davis Cup pre-qualifying competition for the Caribbean and Central American region in the Dominican Republic.

Flying Bermuda’s banner this year are Zachary McGuire, Tristan Pettit and Tobiah Goodchild who will compete at the Centro Nacional de Tenis Parque del Este in Santo Domingo from February 25 to March 1.

“It is pleasing to see these young men take the next step in their tennis journey,” Wolfe said.

“This is a big step up in competition and the BLTA is looking forward to them representing Bermuda well. We certainly will be behind them 100 percent and wish them much success.”

The island’s under-16 boys team will be accompanied by coach Terry Smith, who has replaced Steve Bean for this year’s tournament. and he has high expectations for the players both on and off the court.

“I am happy to work with such an enthusiastic team in preparation for this year’s event,” he said.

“Our objective is to perform at the very best to achieve the goals set for tennis Bermuda, both on and off the court.”

National tennis director Ricky Mallory said those chosen to represent Bermuda at the event have worked extremely hard to earn the right.

“To represent your country at this level is a testament to the training these boys have put in and the work they have done with their individual coaches, backed by the support of the national governing body and national programme,” he added. “We wish them all the best.”

Bermuda are among 18 counties being represented at the tournament and McGuire is the sole survivor from the island’s team that finished eleventh at last year’s Junior Davis Cup pre-qualifier in Guatemala. His former team-mates Sebastian Pukk and Vinny Boisvert have aged out.