China forfeits Davis Cup tie in Romania due to virus

SPORTS

China forfeits Davis Cup tie in Romania due to virus

Published Tuesday, February 18, 2020 11:46AM EST

A Chinese national flag at Tiananmen Square flutters against the capital city tallest skyscraper China Zun Tower under construction at the Central Business District in Beijing Thursday, June 14, 2018.(AP Photo/Andy Wong)

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LONDON -- China forfeited a Davis Cup tie on Tuesday because its men's tennis team cannot travel to Romania next month.

The International Tennis Federation cited "increased restrictions in response to the current coronavirus outbreak" for the decision.

China was to play in Piatra Neamt, Romania, on March 6-7 in a World Group I playoff.

The ITF said Romania will advance to a World Group I tie in September. China will drop into World Group II.

The death toll in mainland China due to the virus named COVID-19 had risen to almost 1,900 on Tuesday, with more than 72,000 confirmed cases.

The outbreak has caused numerous sports events in China to be cancelled, postponed, or moved, and has affected the ability of Chinese teams to travel for competition.