The New Zealand tennis team has swept aside minnows Lebanon 3-0 to open its Fed Cup Asia Oceania Group Two campaign in Bahrain.
Jade Lewis Photo: Photosport
Katherine Westbury and Jade Lewis romped to 6-0, 6-0 wins over their respective opponents before Lewis teamed with Emily Fanning to win the doubles rubber 6-1 6-3.
"We wanted to send out a message to Uzbekistan and the girls stepped up. Katherine set the tone and then Jade followed that up," captain Neil Carter said.
Carter opted to rest New Zealand number one Erin Routliffe who had suffered a slight groin strain 24 hours earlier on the practice court. The decision paid off with Carter indicating she will be fit to face top seeds Uzbekistan in the Group decider tonight.
"We left Erin on the bench as a precaution and the extra day's rest has done the world of good and she's 100 percent ready to go against Uzbekistan." Carter said.
The winner will advance to the semi-finals with the loser eliminated. The top two teams at the 14 team tournament earn promotion to Asia Oceania Group 1 for 2019.
-RNZ
