TEAM captain Peter Wright exudes confidence in Ireland's ability to win the Davis Cup EuroAfrican Zone Division Three honours in Nairobi this weekend. The manner in which a 3-0 win over Zambia was attained yesterday heightens Wrights hopes. Moldova (today) and Estonia; (tomorrow) are the unbeaten side's two remaining opponents.
"We are playing well, we are getting good results and we are beating the teams we have to beat," says Wright. "We are getting the luck when we need it and we are also the best team down: here.
Scott Barron based his one hour 6-3 6-4 win over Kach Sinkala on his ability to play unpredictable returns. "He played a very punishing return game today. Scott broke the guy in the first game of the match again early in the second set," reports Wright.
A battle hardened Owen Casey took only 47 minutes to beat number one Sidneu Bwalya 6-1 6-0. The Irishman reeled off the last 10 games of a brief encounter.
"Owen is persistent with a good all round game. He is averaging only three unforced errors a match. I think it is the most focused I have ever seen him play. He is playing the best tennis that he can put out there on the court." And, quipped Wright, "he is going about it like the terminator."
Casey had Scott Barron as his doubles partner this time, with Eoin Collins being rested. They beat fresh opposition in Martin Kombe and Lighten Ndefwai 6-1 6-1.
So far, Ireland have lost only two sets, dropped by Barron in the match against Cameroon.
A good result today is vital for the high levels of confidence to be maintained before tomorrow's final match against Estonia, who have lost once.
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