Tennis: Nielsen carries NZ Cup hopes

By TERRY MADDAFORD

TIMARU - Mark Nielsen knows New Zealand's Davis Cup tennis hopes could quickly founder if he does not win the first match, against Thailand No 2 Danai Udomchoke, in Timaru this morning.

Twenty-two-year-old Nielsen, who has taken the No 1 spot in the Kiwi side for the first time following Brett Steven's retirement, knows the pressure is on.

While New Zealand go into the tie as one of the four seeded teams in the Asia/Oceania group, victory is no certainty.

Nielsen, ranked about 250 in the world, is way behind Thailand's top player, Paradorn Srichaphan, who has a ranking just outside the world's top 100.

With Srichaphan expected to be too good for New Zealand No 2 Alistair Hunt, who is ranked around 750, the pressure for Nielsen to win is immense.

"Last time in Hamilton [against Spain] I played at No 2," Nielsen said. "There was nothing to lose. Now, as No 1, my role has changed and the first-day pressure is on me."

While Nielsen has played Srichaphan before - twice as a junior for a win and a loss - he has yet to meet 18-year-old Udomchoke, although he has seen him play. Also to Nielsen's advantage is playing the first rubber. In his past five Cup ties, Nielsen has been first on court.

Nielsen has a 5-3 singles record in the Davis Cup since his debut in 1997 and has had a few sessions with a sports psychologist in the past week as he battles with his mental game.

He admits he has been going through a rough patch recently, becoming run down.

"I feel a lot better now but I feel I had over-trained. Even now I would like a bit more rest," he said. "But I'm sure when I get on court I'll be okay. If I win it will take the pressure off Alistair. It would be terrible to finish the first day 0-2."

New non-playing captain Glen Wilson is confident his first-choice doubles pairing of James Greenhalgh and James Shortall, in his Davis Cup debut, will be ready for tomorrow's key clash with Vittaya Samrej and Ekaarin Pisuth-Arnonth after some doubts about Greenhalgh's fitness.

"He should be right to play," Wilson said. "We have eased back on his training this week. I'm confident he can get through but his shoulder will probably be sore afterwards."

The tie is a good first test for Wilson, who has taken the reins from long-serving captain Jeff Simpson.

As well as having a player on debut in Shortall - and no Brett Steven - Wilson also has the honour of leading a New Zealand team into battle for the first time in Timaru.

The choice of venue was made in consultation with the players, who opted for the 14-court complex ahead of Tauranga. Overlooking Caroline Bay, the Timaru stadium is a picturesque setting for an international sporting event.

Draw, today, singles: Mark Nielsen (NZ No 1) v Danai Udomchoke (Thailand No 2) followed by Alistair Hunt (NZ No 2) v Paradorn Srichaphan (Thailand No 1). Tomorrow, doubles: James Greenhalgh and James Shortall (NZ) v Vittaya Samrej and Ekaarin Pisuth-Arnonth (Thailand). Sunday, reverse singles.