New Zealand tennis player, Rubin Statham, has given his team the lead in their Davis Cup tie against China in Tianjin.
Rubin Statham. Photo: Photosport
The New Zealand number one fought back from a set down to beat China's number two, Di Wu, win 2-6,6-4,6-4 in 1 hr 50.
Wu dominated the early exchanges breaking Statham three times in the opening set and winning 32 points to 23. Statham was competitive on his opponent's serve but only converted one of four break point chances.
However the 30 year old playing his 30th tie for New Zealand got off to a flying start to the second set as Wu's level dropped.
With two early breaks Statham raced to a 4-0 lead before Wu rallied and broke Statham when serving for the set at 5-2. But Statham made no mistake a second time and served it out 6-4 to force a decider.
Some wonderful returning from Statham earned a break in the opening game and he consolidated and then edged ahead. Statham faced two break points serving at 3-2 but held and held serve twice more to secure a crucial win for the Kiwis.
Michael Venus will try to put New Zealand 2-0 up and in a commanding position in the second singles rubber against Chinese number one Zhang Ze.
