The first round of the Billie Jean King Cup finals in Malaga, Spain has been postponed after local and regional authorities issued a severe weather warning for Malaga province.
Spain’s Civil Protection Agency (CPA) sent a mass alert to residents after 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday evening warning of an “extreme risk of rainfall,” with a red weather warning being issued. The red warning accounts for extreme weather phenomena, with “very high risk to the population,” according to Spain’s weather agency.
The Billie Jean King Cup then announced on Wednesday morning that the first-round tie between Spain and Poland, originally scheduled for today, November 13 at 5 p.m. local time, would be postponed until 10 a.m. local time on Friday.
“This decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees,” a statement read.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.” Those with tickets for the tie will be able to use them on Friday.
The weather system in Malaga is the “dana” type which recently caused severe flooding, damage, and loss of life in Valencia, around 600km north of Malaga. Some areas experienced a year’s worth of rain in 24 hours across October 29 and 30, with over 200 people killed in floods that the prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, has described as the worst in recent memory.
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Malaga was less affected by that weather system, but flooding in the province caused a train derailment and at least one death was reported. In the wake of the most recent red warning, some hotels are choosing to keep guests inside as the rain worsens; some streets in the city are already flooded.
Thursday’s forecast is less severe, with an orange warning for rain and a yellow one for storms.
The winner of the rescheduled tie between Spain and Poland will now have to play on consecutive days, with the winner in quarterfinal action against the Czech Republic at 5 p.m. local time on Saturday. The Spain team is spearheaded by the former world No. 2 Paula Badosa, while the current world No. 2 Iga Swiatek is the star turn for Poland.
Weather permitting, the Billie Jean King Cup will now begin on Thursday morning, with Japan taking on Romania in the morning session ahead of Team USA’s tie with Slovakia.
(Angel Martinez / Getty Images for ITF)
