Brit vets get it done
Robson and Watson win doubles to wrap up 3-0 win
Last Updated: February 2, 2012 9:50pm
Elena Baltacha: world number 57 won 6-2 6-3
Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothavong both posted straight-sets victories as Great Britain got off to a flying start against Portugal in the Fed Cup.
Captain Judy Murray chose the experienced pair ahead of youngsters Laura Robson and Heather Watson for singles duty in their Europe/Africa Group I Pool C campaign at the four-day event in Eilat, Israel.
Britain gained an unassailable lead in the clash with Portugal thanks to the success of the singles duo, ahead of a concluding doubles rubber featuring Robson and Watson.
Britain are a long way from competing at the highest level in the Fed Cup.
They have been in Europe/Africa Zone Group I for eight years in a row but, with two top-100 players and Robson and Watson both on the brink of double-digit rankings, hopes are high this could be the year they get their chance in World Group II.
They will play Holland and Israel over the next two days, with the possibility of a promotion play-off on Saturday if they finish top of their pool.
Fantastic
Keothavong, 88th in the WTA rankings, was first on court against world number 194 Maria Joao Koehler and recorded a 6-3 6-4 success.
Baltacha, the world number 57, then took on Michelle Larcher De Brito, the 19-year-old who in the early stages of her career has faced criticism for the noise she makes on court.
Larcher De Brito, 136th in the world, was no match for Baltacha as the Scot triumphed 6-2 6-3.
With the match already won, Watson and Robson sealed a 3-0 victory for Britain by clinching a doubles win in the dead rubber against Koehler and Larcher De Brito.
Despite falling a break behind in the opening set, 19-year-old Watson and 18-year-old Robson recovered to take the rubber convincingly, 7-5 6-0.
Murray said: "Today was fantastic. We had two convincing wins in the singles, straight sets wins for Anne first of all and then for Bally, and then the younger girls who had a little bit of a sticky start in the doubles came through very strongly so we didn't drop a set and it was relatively straightforward."
"For me it was the perfect debut, but it's only the first match. We've got a tough one tomorrow against the Netherlands but we've prepared well and we'll be ready."
