Kuwait picked consolation wins in the reverse singles in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania group two tennis semifinal against New Zealand in Auckland today.
New Zealand wrapped up the tie by winning the doubles yesterday to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead and confirm their place in the final on September 23-25
against Korea in New Zealand.
Kuwait gave the tie a more respectable final scoreline by winning both of today's reverse singles.
Kuwaiti No 1 Mohammed Al Gahreeb beat Adam Thompson 7-5 6-3 and Abdullah Magdas then beat Dan King-Turner 7-6 (7-4) 5-7 6-3.
New Zealand's non-playing captain Bruce Derlin was not too concerned about his side dropping the final two matches.
"It was good to give both Adam and Dan some court time and to build up the depth for the team as well as seeing them play against the one and two from Kuwait," Derlin said.
Derlin's thoughts are now on the final against Korea.
"I believe we can beat Korea. Obviously they have a top No 1 in Hyung Taik Lee but we can win at two and the doubles and if someone scores a win over Lee that would be a great bonus," Derlin said.
Lee is currently ranked at No 62 in the world. He has not played for Korea this year and has at times had a testy relationship with Korea tennis officials.
Korea lost the Asia-Oceania group two to China last year.
New Zealand have a record of seven wins and one loss against Korea.
- NZPA
