The post-match quotes at Riverview yesterday encapulated Owen Casey's most memorable day on a tennis court. "He is simply a superb comeback artist and that was one of the greatest recovery bids in the history of Davis Cup," said team manager Peter Wright.

Ireland's tennis equivalent of boxing's pocket rocket had once again defied the odds, this time against Slovenia's top player Istock Bozic to clinch victory 2-6 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3 and win the overall tie for Ireland. Ireland have not progressed to a second round since the heady days of Doyle and Sorensen, and the standing ovation from the full house was a rich reflection of that. A two sets to one deficit and two breaks down in the fourth set seemed a inevitable death knell scenario for the Casey, but he defiantly refused to accept defeat. "If anybody asked me what was the most memorable day in my career, without any hesitation I would say today," said an elated Cassey. "Its been so emotional with the crowd roaring me on like that. I will never forget it."

Casey was patient with a recalcitrant serve that had found him in deep trouble by the end of the first set. Two major factors in his win were the crucially important reassembling of his serve and some words of advice from team captain Peter Wright before going out to try and break Bozic's serve in the defining 12th game of the fourth set. "The service correction bit is a little too technical to explain just now, but Peter's advice was that I was to imagine I was playing doubles and hit and charge his service," said Casey. Casey broke Bozic in that 12th game after opening up a double set point advantage to square the match, 22.

The experienced Slovenian, however, never lacked resolve, even when Casey returned some of his best serves for screaming winners. By the fourth game of the final set, Casey was in orbit. His returns were leaving Bozic stranded and it was not surprising when he got to the forecourt to pluck a winning angled volley for the only break of serve in the final session. He held for 4-1 in the following game. "I knew I was a winner from that moment." Yet, another ace and an athletic mid court volley helped to open up a double match point and the crowd roared him home. With the match safe at 3-1, Robert Collins played Marko Tkalec in a dead, best of three, rubber which the visitor won, leaving Ireland 3-2 winners.

Reverse Singles: - O Casey bt I Bozic 2-6 6-3 3-6 7-5 6-3. R Collins lost to M Tkalec 6-7 6-1 6-4 (dead rubber).

Doubles: - Casey and Collins lost to Urh and A Kracman 3-6 3-6 3-6.