The New Zealand Davis Cup tennis team has beaten China 4-1 in their Asia-Oceania Group one tie in Auckland.
Rubin Statham Photo: PHOTOSPORT
An efficient performance by the New Zealand number one Rubin Statham sealed the win with a straight sets victory over Zhe Li in the first reverse singles match.
Statham was presented with an ITF achievement and outstanding contribution award the previous day so it was fitting that Statham was able to win the tie for his country.
He says he's had a lot of ups and downs over the past decade of playing Davis Cup, but that makes the win in Auckland even sweeter.
The New Zealand team captain Alistair Hunt gave Michael Venus the task of playing in the dead rubber fifth match against Chuhan Wang, who he defeated in three sets 3-6 7-6 6-4 to make the overall score 4-1 to New Zealand.
New Zealand will now play India in the next round in July in New Zealand with Christchurch indoors the most likely location.
India have a 4-3 winning record against New Zealand with doubles expert Leander Paes their key player.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray has sealed a Davis Cup quarter-final place for Great Britain with a straight-sets win over American John Isner in the reverse singles in Glasgow to give his side an unbeatable 3-1 lead in their first round tie.
The Scot, who saved three set points in the opening set, won in four sets.
Britain have earned a home quarter-final against France in July.
Australia are also through having won the first three rubbers in their away tie against the Czech Republic
