Tennis

Rafael Nadal continued his solid form with a straight-sets win over Pablo Cuevas in the Western and Southern Open second round.

The Spaniard, who lost the bronze-medal match at the Olympics on his return from a wrist injury, gained a measure of revenge over Cuevas with a 6-1 7-6 (7-4) victory.

The composite team finished fifth of eleven teams in Asia/Oceania Zone Group Two in India last year, the first time Pacific Oceania had competed at Fed Cup level since 2004.

This year they have set their sights on top spot in in Hua Hin and will rely on the experienced duo Steffie Carruthers from Samoa and Papua New Guinea's Abigail Tere-Apisah.

Newcomers Ayana Rengiil from Palau and Tahiti's Mayka Zima are also in the squad but are not expected to make it on court.

Team captain Patrice Cotti said there is a good feeling in the team.