Ireland were beaten 3-2 in their Davis Cup tie against Denmark following yesterday's reverse singles matches at Riverview. In the opening match, John Doran took on 20-year-old Kristen Pless, needing to win to bring the tie to a decider as the Danes were 2-1 up after the previous day's action saw them take the doubles rubber.
Doran did not get off to the best of starts, dropping the first two sets 7-5 6-3 and it looked as if the match would be settled quickly until Doran came battling back to take the third set with a comprehensive 6-1 win while the Dane's attentions seemed to wander. However, Pless's focus returned for the fourth set and although Doran never gave up, he lost his service in the eighth game and that was all Pless needed to wrap up the match with a 6-4 win.
In the second rubber, Ireland had only their pride to play for and Peter Clarke ensured the scoreline remained respectable when he defeated Matt Gottlieb 7-6 (9-7) 6-2.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
