A prominent British tennis supporters' group has "put pressure" on the Lawn Tennis Association to "vote against the Davis Cup reforms" at the Int'l Tennis Federation's annual meeting in Florida, according to Stuart Fraser of the LONDON TIMES. The Stirling University Barmy Army (SUBA) has "made clear its disapproval of the radical plans to transform" the Davis Cup into a "World Cup-style event" that will take place over one week in November at a neutral location beginning next year. The traditional home-and-away element would be "drastically reduced to a two-day tie" in February as part of qualifying. In a vote of SUBA members, 88.9% stated that they were "against the reforms." It is also understood the LTA has received an "influx of messages from other fans, with some threatening to withdraw their membership" if the governing body backs the ITF. SUBA also "expressed its disappointment at the lack of consultation" from the LTA and ITF. Andy Murray "raised the prospect of a trial period for the reforms and a reversion to the existing format if it does not prove to be a success." Murray said, "I don't see why you can't make a change and if it doesn't work and the players don't like it, you can always go back" (LONDON TIMES, 8/15).
