SYDNEY — Australia will stage its Davis Cup World Group playoff against Uzbekistan on grass in Perth later this year, Tennis Australia (TA) said Monday. TA said the tie will be played at the Cottesloe Tennis Club in Perth from Sept. 2-14. Australia's Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter selected grass as the playing surface as Australia bids to retain a position in the elite world group of 16 nations. Australia lost to France in the first round tie in February, forcing it into the playoff with Uzbekistan. It will be the first time Davis Cup has been played in Perth since 2004 when Lleyton Hewitt, Wayne Arthurs and Todd Woodbridge defeated Morocco 4-1 at Royal King's Park. — Agencies