Impressive GB see off Hungary

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:17

Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothavong posted singles victories to give the GB squad an unassailable 2-0 lead in their opening match, as their Europe/Africa Zone Group I campaign began in Estonia.

Baltacha, fresh from reaching the second round at the Australian Open, came from a break down in the first set to beat world number 155 Greta Arn 7-5 6-3.

The British number three, who is close to joining Keothavong and Melanie South in the world’s top 100 after climbing to a career-high 108th in the WTA rankings, was a worthy winner despite seeing her serve broken towards the end of the second set.

Keothavong’s victory was even more impressive, as she dropped just five games against world number 25 Agnes Szavay.

The world number 54 won 6-3 6-2 to ensure Britain began their round-robin series in style.

Holland and Luxembourg also feature in the group, and neither country has players to match those in GB captain Nigel Sears’ squad, in terms of their world ranking.

Sears had identified Hungary as Britain’s toughest opponents and the group winners will go into a promotion play-off, with the team who finish bottom facing a relegation play-off.

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