IRELAND'S opening match in Group Two of the Federation Cup against Denmark is delicately poised after a day of play curtailed due to thunderstorms at the Israel Tennis Centre yesterday.
A brave effort by Lesley O'Halloran frustratingly failed to reap the desired result against Sandra Olsen, but Gina Niland looked to be on her way to victory in the top singles when rain storms washed out play.
Niland is 4-3 up in the second set having won the first 6-4 against Karin Ptaszek, ranked 328th in the world.
"I have every confidence in Gina winning out when play, hopefully, resumes tomorrow, said team manager Pete Lowther. She is playing consistently well off the ground and looking strong."
O'Halloran led Olsen 4-1 in the final set. "Although there was only one break in it at this stage, Lesley looked odds on. She had played really well in the second and third sets."
Olsen took the match in 90 minutes, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. The vile weather had delayed the start by four hours.
Lowther admits he is not too sure on his best doubles combination for today. "It's a difficult one, and we will be obliged to go back on court (today) to play Ukraine at the end of our match with Denmark. I reckon we must beat Denmark to have any chance of qualifying for the play offs. Ukraine look certain to win the group."
