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GB fielded two Number Twos on court, creating a stink for the Japanese team that they simply couldn't stomach!
However, before the tennis I popped into Birmingham's city centre for a look around and a bit of shopping. I also tried out Ed's Easy Diner's All American Breakfast, consisting of pancakes, bacon and sausage, plus a butterscotch shake, all of which was a delicious combination.
Then it was back to the NIA, where World singles Number Two Andy Murray teamed up with his older brother and World doubles Number Two Jamie to take on Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka and Yasutaka Uchiyama, both ranked outside the top 300 in doubles. Therefore, it was no surprise that the match was somewhat one-sided.
Nevertheless, with the crowd in good voice led, as ever, by the relentless Stirling Uni Barmy Army, we were treated to a thoroughly entertaining doubles match.
The Japanese pair held firm during the first set until serving at 3-4 down when the Brits broke to take a decisive lead and then close out the set 6-3.
The British pair continued the momentum as they broke again in the first game of the second set and went on to take it 6-2.
The third set proved to be tighter until the ninth game when the Brits broke the Japanese serve to take a 5-4 lead. With Andy Murray serving, it only took a further 4 points to clinch victory.
Both tomorrow's reverse singles could be classic Davis Cup encounters as Andy Murray faces world Number 6 Kei Nishikori. Murray will need to be on top form to clinch victory. If he doesn't, then Dan Evans will face Taro Daniel, ranked 70 places above him. However, Evans' greater experience, tenacity and support from the home crowd could make all the difference.
After the match, I popped along to a local chippy to enjoy a battered sausage, cheesy chips and gravy.
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