Hong Kong Number 2 to open Davis Cup tie against Sri Lanka

Left-hander Yu Hiu-tung was handed the responsibility of getting Hong Kong's campaign off to a good start as it bids to retain its place in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group Two next year when he was drawn to play in the first opening singles today.

Yu (pictured), Hong Kong's number two, will face a formidable challenge in the form of Sri Lankan number one Harshana Godamanne.

The second singles will be between Hong Kong number one Martin Sayer and Dineshkanthan Thangarajah, an 18-year-old up-and-comer who has been chosen over Rajeev Rajapakse, who played singles in the last tie. Hong Kong have nominated Sayer and Yu for the doubles, although a change can be made before the tie starts tomorrow.

While Sri Lanka savoured the fact their top player will start in the opening singles, Hong Kong non-playing captain Derek Ling Hay-ming downplayed the significance of the draw.

'It doesn't really matter who starts,' Ling said. 'What matters at the end of the day is the result after the opening singles. We are prepared and everything is going smoothly. The guys are well acclimatised to the conditions.'

Hong Kong coach Ray Kelly also gave the team the thumbs up. 'Both Yu and Martin have been hitting the ball well, especially Martin. It is the best I've seen him play and he will be our main hope.'