Pe'er and Obziler will face the Czechs over the weekend of April 26-27.
By ALLON SINAI
Israel's tennis fans will get another chance to see Shahar Pe'er and Tzipi Obziler battle with some of the best players in the world after the Fed Cup team was drawn on Tuesday to face a strong Czech Republic side in the World Group playoff.
Tennis fans had to wait almost 12 years to see their team in action last weekend against Russia, but will now have the chance to do so for a second time in three months following Israel's home draw on Tuesday.
Pe'er and Obziler will face the Czechs over the weekend of April 26-27, with the winner of the tie qualifying for the 2009 World Group and the loser starting in World Group II next year.
The Czechs are led by world No. 15 Nicole Vaidisova and by Lucie Safarova (31), with Zakopalova (70) and Petra Cetcovska (104) providing backup if necessary. The team reached the playoff after defeating Slovakia 3-2 over the weekend, with Vaidisova winning all three of the matches she took part in.
"I'm very happy we're playing at home once again," Pe'er said on Tuesday. "The Czechs have two excellent players, Vaidisova and Safarova, but there's a long time to go until we play the tie and we'll have to see in what form players from both teams will be in come April.
"After experiencing such a special weekend against Russia I can't wait for the next tie to start. The fans give the players amazing energy and I'm happy I will get another chance to play in front of them."