Tennis: Uzbekistan defeat New Zealand

Uzbekistan have won the doubles rubber overnight in straight sets against New Zealand in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I Round 1 Tie in Namangan.

The Kiwi pairing of Michael Venus and Marcus Daniell started off well at the Pahlavon Sports Complex, taking the first set to a tiebreak against Denis Istomin and Farrukh Dustov (UZB). The higher ranked Uzbekistan pairing were able to edge it out 7-5 to win the first set.

Istomin and Dustov continued to dominate in the second, taking the set 6-3.

Venus and Daniell again had chances in the third set, but were unable to capitalise going down 6-4.

Host Uzbekistan now advances to the second round of Group I. New Zealand will play the losing nation between Japan and the Philippines, with Japan currently leading 2-0 after day one.

The reverse singles will be played today from 6pm NZ time.

Results: Uzbekistan beat New Zealand 3 - 0; Farrukh Dustov beat Artem Sitak (NZL) 6-0 6-3 6-1; Denis Istomin (UZB) beat Jose 'Rubin' Statham 6-2 6-3 6-3; Farrukh Dustov/Denis Istomin (UZB) beat Michael Venus/Marcus Daniell 7-6(5) 6-3 6-4.

- NZPA