DEBUTANT 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 which gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie at the AO Arena.
The win, coupled with Dan Evans' 7-6 6-2 success against lowly-ranked Eero Vasa earlier, ensured Britain avoided any missteps as they try to book their spot at the last-eight event in Malaga in November.
Harris' performance more than justified GB captain Leon Smith's decision to give US Open semifinalist Jack Draper extra rest ahead of much tougher-looking ties against Argentina and Canada later this week, with a top-two finish needed in the group.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GAME OF THRONES
Slot gives Pep a hefty kick in crown duel
Gun shot to bits as Kop stars shine
MANCHESTER CITY did not pay a penny to bring back Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona.
YOU ZIRKZEE THING
Amorim must be a genius... he's even got goal-shy Joshua firing!
PISTOL BLASTS RIVAL
MARK ALLEN bit back at Shaun Murphy as their war of words escalated at the UK Championship.
Yafai on a high as he eyes Japan
GALAL YAFAI would happily head back to Japan to win a world title in the country where he claimed Olympic gold.
BANG ON CARSE
Brydon groomed for the top says captain Ben
QATARSTROPHE
Lewis blows it as he predicts flat finish
ROBINS SOAR IN 'WARM' WINTER
RED robin numbers are rocketing across Britain.
COLE OF THE SEASON
Footie star dog moniker trend
SCHU AIDE £12M BLACKMAIL PLOT'
Bodyguard 'dark web threat' to F1 race icon family