With a fourth straight victory in as many days, Hong Kong clinched promotion to Group II Asia/Oceania in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas. In a convincing three-love victory over Sri Lanka, Hong Kong guaranteed themselves first or second place in the eight-nation Group III Asia/Oceania tie being fought out at Victoria Park this weekend.
"Mission accomplished," said Jeremy Pong Chong Lai, the Hong Kong team manager. "But for tomorrow, we’ll do our best to make it five straight victories."
Hong Kong's number two, Wayne Wong, opened proceedings with a solid 7-5, 6-2 win over Sri Lanka's Harshana Godamanne, an effective player who made Wong work hard for his victory in the early stages of the match.
Next followed a clash between Hong Kong's Yu Hiu Tung and Sri Lanka’s Renouk Wijemanne. Tung was stretched in the first set by his opposite number but settled down to take the first set 7-5. He then dominated in the second, taking it 6-2 and ending Sri Lanka's hopes of toppling Hong Kong.
A hard-fought doubles clash featuring Martin Sayer and Brian Hung against Harshana Godamanne and Rajeev Rajapakse, won by Hong Kong 7-5, 6-1, was the clincher, guaranteeing Hong Kong at least a second place finish in the competition.
The top two teams will be promoted to Asia/Oceania Group II, so Saturday night's victory ensures Hong Kong the promotion they have worked hard all year to achieve.
"I don’t know what to say I'm too happy," said Joelle Ho, Chairman of the Hong Kong Davis Cup Organizing Committee. "We haven't dropped a point in 12 rubbers. That’s remarkable!"
By Dr. Margaret Harris Cheng
Media Contact
Miss Bianca Luk
Corporate Affairs and Administrative Manager
Hong Kong Tennis Association
Tel.: 25048275 / 90489534
Fax: 28948704
E-mail: bianca@tennishk.org
|