South Club preparing to host Davis Cup tie between India and Italy

Davis Cup preparation was seen in full swing at the Calcutta South Club days ahead of India's World Group Qualifier against Italy.

The prestigious South Club is hosting the competition after a gap of 16 years.

The grasscourts of South Club was chosen as the venue only after the All India Tennis Association (AITA) secured two key exemptions from the International Tennis Federation (ITF), one being the seating capacity of 4,000 which is required.

Non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi, who is scheduled to arrive in the city on Wednesday, was keen to play on grass considering that the Italians are solid hard court players.

The South Club -- which has previously hosted 14 Davis Cup ties -- has a seating capacity of 3,000.

"Work is going on at good pace and we are ready," Giri Chaturvedi, secretary of the club, told reporters.

"We are expecting a good crowd and the ground conditions are also good. India wanted to play here and they won't be disappointed," he added.

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