There is all to play for in the Davis Cup World Group II play-off between Bermuda and Georgia after both teams clinched a match each in the opening singles in Cyprus yesterday.

Following a two-hour rain delay at Herodotou Tennis Academy in Larnaca, Daniel Phillips gave the small island nation a dream start. The 20-year-old rallied from a set down to defeat Aleksandre Bakshi, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6.

Bermuda had a chance to go 2-0 when Wayne Montgomery went up against Saba Purtseladze. It was not to be for Ricky Mallory’s side, as Purtseladze triumphed in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.

Speaking after his three-hour battle with Bakshi, Phillips attributed his fightback to the great camaraderie within the Bermuda camp.

“The harmony we’re having between everyone and the effort the whole team’s putting in is really paying off,” Phillips said.

“I’m feeling really happy, not just for myself. I feel happy for my country, my team and my family that’s here, just for being able to give my best performance.

“I can’t control winning or losing, but I can control my effort and I left it all out there on the court.

“There’s going to be ups and downs. It’s going to be waves, but the best you can do is show your emotions for the five seconds that you got to, then reel it back in and get ready for the next point.

“I wasn’t holding on to anything in the past. He was up 4-1, but to me, I wasn’t worrying about the score.

“I was really just worrying about my effort and the next two points I’m going to put into it. I try not to hold on too long until I win or lose and try to prepare for the next one.”

Ricky Mallory believes that his players showed why Bermuda should be taken seriously.

“Heading into the matches on Saturday, Bermuda has made it clear that we are not to be taken lightly and this tie is far from over,” he said.

“Friday marked a strong start to the Georgia versus Bermuda tie. The singles were split, with Daniel grinding out an impressive three-set victory, while Wayne gave a tremendous effort, but ultimately fell to a very tough opponent.

“Daniel deserves special recognition for pulling off a major upset against Georgia’s No 2 player.

“He competed with intensity, stayed composed under pressure and executed our game plan exceptionally well. We made several strategic adjustments throughout the match, and Daniel applied them flawlessly.”

Reflecting on his first appearance in the Davis Cup, Montgomery thought that his opponent proved too strong for him.

“When I played my match against the Georgia guy, I just felt he overpowered me a little bit,” the debutant said. “His serve was really good and really accurate. He hits it with a lot of precision, especially on big points.

“I never felt that I really was in control of the match, which is unfortunate, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

“Hopefully, we can pull something together on Saturday. Trey and Daniel are playing doubles, then we’ll go on for singles after that.

“Hoping to get a big Bermuda win, which would be amazing. I’m looking forward to whatever the final day brings.”

Montgomery applauded Phillips for the way he played against Bakshi to lay the foundation for Bermuda.

“It was a great day for Bermuda,” he said.

“Daniel played an incredible match against the Georgia guy. He showed a lot of grit, played amazing, pulled it through for Bermuda, 7-6 in the third.

“So that was amazing to get the first match off and get a win for Bermuda.”

On Saturday, Phillips is joining forces with Trey Mallory to take on Zura Tkemaladze and Aleksandre Metreveli in doubles.

In the final two singles matches, Phillips is scheduled to engage Purtseladze and Montgomery faces Bakshi.