Tennis: Kiwis far too classy for Lebanon

"Heineken please." A smiling Davis Cup coach James Greenhalgh was in a celebratory mood after New Zealand won the doubles rubber in yesterday's tie against Lebanon, giving the Kiwis an unassailable 3-0 lead and assured victory.

It was clear from the first set that the Lebanese pair would struggle with the power game of Mark Nielsen and Daniel King-Turner, who seemed more at ease on the hardcourt surface at North Harbour. Nielsen, who is the No 1 seed in the country, was keen to press home the advantage.

"I have grown up here and played a lot of my tennis at North Harbour so this court is very familiar to me. Dan and myself like to play indoors on a fast court. It suits our game better and probably suited our opponents' games, too."

The speed of the court dictated that points were quick and more often than not they came as a result of forced errors. Lebanon No 2 Karim Alayli possessed a powerful weapon in his serve but his lack of accuracy negated its ability to stem the flow of the match as New Zealand predictably took the first set 6-2. Nielsen's impressive return of serve was matched by King-Turner's ability at the net.

It was hard not to have sympathy for Patrick Chucri as frustration over his present level of fitness got the better of him. On two occasions his racket was unceremoniously sent hurtling back to the chair as the Kiwis pressed on, taking the second set 6-3 and racing 5-0 up in the 3rd, before winning 6-1.

It was all proving too much for Lebanon's best player who had retired from the game a few months ago but responded to his country's call for aid. Appearing on court he wore his old battered shoes, replete with claycourt stains, that hadn't seen action since July.

For the dead rubber to be played today, now reduced to three-set matches, the Kiwis will look to blood some of their younger players.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY