Tennis: NZ takes lead in Davis Cup

Rubin Statham gave New Zealand the lead when he beat Yan Bai in the first singles match of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania group 2 final in New Plymouth today.

Bai, the Chinese No 1, took the first set 6-4 but Statham came back to win the next three 6-2 6-4 6-2.

Statham fell awkwardly and appeared to injure his thumb late in the match but said: "It's not broken - at least I can move it."

The second singles match being played is between New Zealand No 1 Dan King-Turner and Chinese No 2 Peng Sun.

- NZPA