Timofey Skatsov gave Kazakhstan its second point in a home Davis Cup tie against Thailand in Astana. The native of Petropavlovsk defeated Kasidit Samrej 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), infohub.kz reports.
Despite a significant height difference — 175 centimeters against the Thai's 194 — Skatsov seized the initiative from the opening minutes. He broke his opponent in the very first game and denied him a break back, closing out the set 6-4.
In the second set, the Kazakh again won the opening game on Samrej's serve, but this time the Thai managed to respond: in the sixth game he broke Skatsov to level at 3-3. The set went to a tiebreak, where fortune favored the Kazakh — 7-4. The final score was 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in 1 hour 46 minutes. Statistics: aces — 5-2, double faults — 0-1, total points won — 56-54.
In the first match of the day, Alexander Shevchenko edged Maximus Jones in a grueling battle — 6-4, 1-6, 7-5. Thus, after the first day, Kazakhstan leads 2-0.
Tomorrow the tie continues with the doubles match. Denis Yevseyev and Beibit Zhukayev will face Thanapet Chanta and Pruchy Isaro. If the Thais win the doubles, Shevchenko and Samrej will take the court. If Alexander Shevchenko loses, the outcome of the tie will be decided by Skatsov's match against Jones. Note that team captains have the right to substitute any player.