The New Zealand tennis No1 Rubin Statham has agreed to accept the terms and conditions of the NZ Davis Cup Player Contract and make himself available for selection for this weekend's Davis Cup Tie against the Philippines.
Statham had until now refused to play in the Davis Cup this year because he was unhappy with the level of funding he gets.
Although the New Zealand team of Michael Venus, Artem Sitak, Marcus Daniell and Daniel King-Turner has already been selected ITF Davis Cup Regulations allow teams to make two changes up to one hour before Thursday's official draw.
The Davis Cup Captain Alistair Hunt has opted to replace long-time representative King-Turner with Statham stating that King-Turner's retirement from the ATP Tour earlier this year meant that Statham's current ATP singles world ranking of 293 and excellent Davis Cup record would be a major boost for the team.
Hunt acknowledged King-Turners significant contribution to Davis Cup tennis over many years and willingness to step aside for the betterment of the team leading into this must win tie.
New Zealand will play the Philippines in Lapu-Lapu City from 13-15 September with the winning nation being promoted to Asia/Oceania Group I for 2014.
