NZ edge closer to winning Davis Cup tie

DAVID LONG

Last updated 14:03 01/02/2013

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Artem Sitak has taken New Zealand to just one win away from being victorious in the Davis Cup tie against Lebanon in Albany by beating Karim Alayli 6-2 6-1 6-0 in the day's second rubber.

Following on from Dan King-Turner's 6-1 6-1 6-0 win over Makael Massih earlier today, Sitak's triumph means New Zealand need to win just one of the three remaining matches over the weekend to set up a second round tie against probably Pakistan in April.

New Zealand are seeking promotion back to Asia-Oceania group 2 after being relegated last year and there was little evidence to suggest anything other than a 5-0 clean sweep from this tie.

Unlike King-Turner, who won his match in less than an hour, Sitak did have to work for his victory, even though Alayli only won one more game than Massih.

However, Sitak did set the tone for the match straight away, winning the first 10 points and he used his pace around the court and strong serve to take control of the rubber.

Alayli was able to win some good points but they were all too infrequent and he never got close to breaking the Kiwi's serve.

Tomorrow King-Turner and Marcus Daniell team up to play Alayli and Ibrahim Abouchahine in the doubles.

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