Voice of Jewish Sport

IF EVER an Israeli sportsman deserved to go out on a high, then surely it is Andy Ram. Playing what was most likely his last ever match for Israel, Saturday saw the 34-year-old play his first competitive match in more than five months as he and Jonathan Erlich battled it out in 91 degree heat for just under three-and-a half-hours in their doubles rubber match against Argentina in Florida. Securing an incredible 16th win from 18 matches in the Davis Cup since September 2005, Ram could barely run in the final set, so there was a sense of poignancy that battling cramp, he somehow managed to serve out to win the match. A doubles Grand Slam winner on several occasions, he was part of Israel’s most successful ever Davis Cup team, while off the court he was a likeable and approachable character. The good news was that he and Erlich went out on a high, the bad is it wasn’t enough to help the Israelis as they lost the tie 3-2, as well as their place in the World Group.

AVRAM GRANT is back in football having been named technical director of Thai Premier League side BEC-Tero Sasana. The Fire Dragons have turned to the former Israel manager to oversee the training of their players, as well as working closely with the club’s head manager and head coach. Their general manager Robert Procureur said: “This is a very exciting time for the club to have a legend like Avram Grant working with the club, this is a fantastic opportunity for our players to learn from such a highly respected coach.”

CONTRARY to last week’s article on the start of the new Masters League season, the League aren’t losing teams on a yearly basis as stated, as illustrated by the fact they have one more competing this season than they did last. Glad to set the record straight!