GREAT Britain's Davis Cup final against Belgium in Ghent this weekend is to go ahead as scheduled, although the International Tennis Federation have unveiled a raft of stringent new security measures which will be in operation for the tie. Andy and Jamie Murray, Leon Smith and the rest of the Great Britain team travelled out to Belgium for the match on Monday, despite the authorities declaring a "serious and imminent" threat of an incident in Brussels during a weekend which saw 16 people arrested a part of an anti-terror investigation. While there are no changes to start times for the match at the city's Flanders Expo Centre, where the Britain team were scheduled to practice tonight, no-one will be permitted access to the venue with a bag or holdall, while no food or drink will be permitted into the venue. An estimated 1,000 British fans are expected in Ghent for the tie, with Brussels a likely transit point.
"The ITF and Royal Belgian Tennis Federation (RBTF), in consultation with the relevant officials and our risk assessment and security advisers, are closely monitoring the situation in Belgium and specifically in Ghent," an ITF statement read. "As of today there are no changes to the previously published start times for the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Belgium and Great Britain. We are taking every necessary step to ensure the safety of the teams, the spectators, the media and all working staff.
"As you would expect, a number of specific, additional security measures have been put in place for this weekend’s tie," it continued. "This is a sold out event so there will not be any tickets on sale at the venue and anyone without a ticket will not be allowed access to the venue area. Additional security measures will be in place at all entrances to the venue and will apply to all ticket holders, staff members and visitors. Entry into the event will take longer than usual. Bags and backpacks will not be permitted in the Flanders Expo. Ticket holders will be asked to check any bags into available off-site storage facilities. No food or drink will be allowed into the arena. For those travelling into Belgium for the tie we advise that you liaise directly with your flight or train operator for up to date information on any changes to departure times or protocols."
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