Debutant hero Harris sees Britain over line

BUT BILLY'S REALLY NO KID AT THE AGE OF 29

- Eleanor Crooks

A DEBUT win for 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 and give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie at the AO Arena.

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

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