Korea Closes In on Davis Cup Berth

Korea advanced past India in the first round of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group One tennis tourney in Changwon City yesterday.

Led by Lee Hyung-taik’s three wins, Korea defeated India with a total score of four wins and one loss and will advance to the Davis Cup regional semi-final for the first time in six years.

Lee won his third singles match against India’s ace Rohan Bopanna (ATP ranking: 232), 6-3, 6-1, and 6-2 after his second victory on February 10.

Lee Hyung-taik’s physical condition before the match was reported to have been poor. A blister on his lip indicated how hard a toll an overseas tour that lasted over a month had on Lee’s stamina. But Lee eventually came through for the team, helped by daily fluid injections.

Lee said his goal right now is to carry Korea to the world group playoff in the Davis Cup. “My personal goal is to be ranked among the Top-50 tennis players in the world,” Lee said. With Jeon Ung-seon (Samsung Securities) winning the fourth singles match, Korea will face either Pakistan or Taiwan in the regional final. The winner will secure a berth in the Davis Cup playoffs in April.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com