Ireland still in contention — but only just

IRELAND are in still in contention in their Euro Zone Davis Cup tie with Greece in Athens but only just.

Defeat in both singles matches on the opening day yesterday, which saw off the challenges of Peter Clarke and Conor Niland, left Owen Casey’s team in an almost hopeless position.

Winning the next three rubbers, today’s doubles and tomorrow’s reverse singles is a tall order in an away fixture. Clarke was beaten in straight sets by Konstantinons Economadis 7-6 6-3 6-4 but Niland put up a tremendous performance against the Greek’s number one Vassilis Mazarakis. The Limerick man pushed his opponent into a final set and even led by two sets to one after the third which included a very competitive tie-breaker.