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.

Said Casey: “Conor played extremely well and given the all round conditions in over 40 degrees centigrade his performance was exceptional”.

Niland lost 6-2 2-6 6-7 6-1 6-3 but nothing could conceal the fact Ireland are up against players that are more accustomed to the red clay surface not to mention the temperatures.

Casey said he wasn’t necessarily disappointed as both players played to their best. He added: “I’m not even looking to Sunday.We have the doubles tomorrow and look forward to John (Doran) and Dave (Mullins) putting up a good performance”.

The only good news for the Irish came with the announcement the Greeks will play their third and fourth players in today’s doubles.