Tennis: Davis Cup defeat looks likely

New Zealand is staring down the barrel of defeat after day one of the Asia/Oceania Group One Davis Cup tennis tie against Uzbekistan in Namangan.

The Kiwi team trails 2-0 after losing both singles matches in straight sets.

New Zealand No.1 Artem Sitak was downed 0-6 3-6 1-6 by Farrukh Dustov.

Russia-born Sitak was making his debut for New Zealand, but could not live with the world No.284 on the clay at the Pahlavon Sport Complex.

Rubin Statham, ranked 496 in the world, went down to world No.54 Denis Istomin.

Michael Venus and Marcus Daniel must now win tonight's doubles to keep the tie alive.

In World Group action, Spain has taken a 2-0 lead away to Belgium and France is also 2-0 up in Austria.

- NEWSTALK ZB/NZPA