Davis Cup debutant delivers as Malaysia routs Nepal in opener
Key player Koay Hao Sheng delivered the opening point for Malaysia at the National Tennis Centre here with a decisive 6-0, 6-1 win over Nepal's Pranav Manandhar.
Daniel Prickett, who was making his Davis Cup debut, secured an unassailable 2-0 lead for Malaysia with a straightforward 6-1, 6-1 win over Pradip Khadka.
Darrshan Kumar and Leroy Yong then made it 3-0 with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Aayushman Ghale-Nisan Shrestha.
Malaysian team captain Adam Jaya had no complaints.
"It was a good way to start the competition and try to gain some momentum. Hao Sheng and Daniel both delivered in the singles while our doubles pair also did their job well," said Adam.
"I was quite impressed with Daniel as he was making his debut. He played well tactically and is also a very good athlete who is adept at both singles and doubles.
"We will look to build on this performance and try to peak by the weekend."
Daniel, 20, admitted he made a nervy start to the match but was pleased to secure Malaysia's victory.
"I was a bit nervous at the start as I did not know what to expect from the opponent," said Daniel.
"I am happy that I was able to stay focused, consistent and disciplined to pull through. It was a good result which will help me carry some confidence through the tournament.
"Playing for Malaysia is different than playing for myself on tour as I am carrying my country's flag. Playing at home, there is some pressure as there are people who you know watching and supporting you.
"But it is nice, it is a good form of pressure to have."
In the other Pool A tie played today (July 16), Kyrgyzstan defeated Iraq 2-1.
In Pool B, unseeded favourites the Philippines scored a straightforward 3-0 win over second seeds Pacific Oceania while Qatar downed Kuwait 2-1.
Malaysia will face Iraq tomorrow (July 17).
Order of play July 17:
All matches start 10am
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