A DEBUT win for Billy Harris sealed victory for Great Britain in their Davis Cup opener against Finland in Manchester.
Harris held his nerve in a tight second set against Otto Virtanen to secure a 6-4 7-6 victory and give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie at the AO Arena.
The win, coupled with Dan Evans' 7-6 6-2 earlier success against lowly-ranked Eero Vasa, ensured Britain avoided any missteps as they try to book their spot in the eight-team finals in Malaga in November.
Harris' performance more than justified captain Leon Smith's decision to rest US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper ahead of tougher-looking ties against Argentina and Canada this week, with a top-two finish needed in the group.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 12, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 12, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Tonali again talk of Toon as main man repays faith
SANDRO TONALI has waited 17 months to set Newcastle alightand his double strike sent the Geordies into the last four of the Carabao Cup.
Jesus is the saviour as clinical hat-trick completes comeback
BIG GUNS ALSO KEY TO RECOVERY
Rocky road to Australia
YOUNG FLINTOFF IS A LION
ELLIOTT GETS A KICK-START
Fit-again Harvey strikes and Nunez scores too as holders survive fightback from Saints
UK spies 'foiled plot to kill Pope'
BRITISH intelligence thwarted a deadly assassination attempt on Pope Francis during a trip to Iraq, it has been revealed.
1.9m-meal miracle keeps needy from going hungry
TESCO chief executive Ken Murphy has applauded the generosity of loyal shoppers who helped donate 1.9 million meals to the needy this Christmas.
Tax-dodging Tate brothers slapped with £2million fine
SOCIAL media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were yesterday fined more than £2million for tax evasion.
Dementia support line ready for surge in calls
A DEMENTIA charity has predicted a surge in calls to its support line in the new year after families notice symptoms in loved ones during Christmas parties.
Russian arrest in hunt for assassin
RUSSIA has arrested a man suspected of the deadly bomb attack that killed a top general.
Trucking dynasty founder dies at 95
Iconic firm won loads of fans who 'spotted' lorry names