KUALA LUMPUR: Former national tennis player Adam Jaya has been appointed as Davis Cup team captain for Malaysia.

The national squad will be competing in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group IV competition at National Tennis Centre (NTC) here on July 16-19.

Despite earlier plans to appoint Koay Hao Sheng as playing captain, national head coach Muliyadi Jamal said the vastly experienced Adam was called in to help the squad.

"Yes we did initially plan to have Hao Sheng as playing captain, however, we do not want to burden him as he is also our key player," said Muliyadi during a press conference at NTC today (July 12).

"We need him to remain focused on playing as he will likely be fielded in singles and doubles.

"This is why, after discussion with the Tennis Malaysia (TM) committee, we have decided to bring in Adam.

"He is very experienced and has captained both our Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup sides at least seven or eight times now. We need his services."

Malaysia, relegated from Group III for the first time in history last year, are top seeds.

Pacific Oceania have been seeded second while the other teams in the competition are Iraq, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Qatar and the Philippines.

The countries will be split into two groups. The draw will be held on Tuesday (July 15).

"Although we are the top seeds, I believe Philippines will be the favourites," said Muliyadi.

"As they are unseeded, they can be placed into any group. It would actually benefit us if they are drawn in the same group as us.

"This way we will not have to face them in the promotional playoffs."