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Hong Kong make the second round

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Unbeaten Hong Kong reached the second round of the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania zone group three after whitewashing Tajikistan 3-0 in their final match in pool A at Victoria Park yesterday.

With a 100 per cent record in their nine group matches, Hong Kong will now meet Sri Lanka in today's second stage. Sir Lanka finished second in pool B after losing 2-1 to group winner Vietnam. The latter will meet Malaysia in another second-round match today.

The second stage, comprising the top two teams from each group, will also be played in a round robin format which will decide the first two teams for promotion to group two. Hong Kong, having beaten rivals Malaysia 3-0 in the group stage, had emerged a strong favourites to win the berth for group two.

'The tie against Malaysia was unexpectedly difficult, but the one against Tajikistan today was unexpectedly easy,' said non-playing captain Derek Lam Hei-ming after Hong Kong won all their group matches yesterday.

'We did not use our strongest line-up today but the two youngsters lived up to expectations with two easy wins.'

Martin Sayer, Hong Kong's fourth-ranked player, was hardly tested as he ousted Mirhusein Yakhyaev 6-0, 6-1 in the opening singles. Compatriot Brian Hung Lap-hei was also in control in the following match which he won 6-0, 6-1 against Dilishod Sharifi.

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