Mixed fortunes for Sri Lanka on first day

Chinthana Wasala

Sri Lanka’s first step in the Asia/Oceania Zone 11 Davis Cup Tennis vs Hong Kong looked good but the second was the complete opposite on the opening day at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association Courts yesterday.

Marking the inauguration of the tie, Sri Lanka’s promising star Harshana Godamanne won his event in style, defeating Hong Hong Kong’s Hiu-Tung Yu 6/3, 6/2, 6/0, giving Sri Lanka the perfect start. But in the tie, Sri Lanka’s Dineshkanthan Thangarajah had to face stiff opposition from the visiting Hong Kong star Martin Sayer who has recorded over 100 singles wins. Martin won the tie in the same way that Harshana won the first, 6/3, 6/2, 6/0.

Having closely lost to New Zealand 3/2 early this year, Sri Lanka needs to give their best by winning against Hong Kong to remain in Group-11. To do this they still have got today’s doubles match which Harshana Godamanne and Rajeev Rajapakse in battle against Martin Sayer and Hiu-Tung Yu and two matches tomorrow.

Tomorrow Harshana will meet Martin and Dineshkanthan plays Hiu-Tung.

The live updates on Davis Cup will be available on www.sport.lk.