Evans gives Great Britain strong start in Davis Cup

Dan Evans ensured Great Britain's quest to scope nan Davis Cup knockout shape started powerfully pinch a hard-fought triumph successful their opening necktie against Finland, arsenic Jack Draper was rested.

Evans, 34, won 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 against 703rd-ranked Eero Vasa to put nan big federation 1-0 up successful nan best-of-three Group D necktie successful Manchester connected Wednesday.

With US Open semi-finalist Draper not included, nan late-blooming Billy Harris was handed a Davis Cup debut successful nan 2nd lucifer of nan tie, knowing he could unafraid triumph for Britain.

British men's number 1 Draper sat retired this opening necktie pursuing his exploits successful reaching nan past 4 successful New York past week.

Draper, 22, arrived successful Manchester connected Tuesday lunchtime and, aft watching him practise, British skipper Leon Smith decided he needed longer to recover.

Draper could return for nan ties against Argentina and Canada later this week.

Britain are aiming to apical Group D successful nan four-nation information robin and unafraid a spot successful nan Davis Cup Finals past 8 successful Malaga later this year.