BILLY IDOL

Hero Harris is first classC

- GARY CHAPPELL

DEBUTANT Billy Harris sealed victory for Great Britain in their Davis Cup opener against Finland in Manchester.

Harris held his nerve in a tight second set against Otto Virtanen to secure a 6-4 7-6 victory which gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie at the AO Arena.

The win, coupled with Dan Evans' 7-6 6-2 success against lowly-ranked Eero Vasa earlier, ensured Britain avoided any missteps as they try to book their spot at the last-eight event in Malaga in November.

Harris' performance more than justified GB captain Leon Smith's decision to give US Open semifinalist Jack Draper extra rest ahead of much tougher-looking ties against Argentina and Canada later this week, with a top-two finish needed in the group.