DAVIS CUP: Great Britain seize unassailable lead over Turkey

KEN Skupski and Colin Fleming secured Great Britain a comprehensive Davis Cup victory over Turkey with a straight sets doubles win in Eastbourne.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Ken Skupski and Colin Fleming were convincing straight set winners as Great Britain took an unassailable 3-0 lead in their Davis Cup tie with Turkey (Getty Images)

Britain's top ranked doubles pairing, ranked 37 in the world, were confident 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victors over Turkey's Ergun Zorlu - a late replacement for the injured Marsel Ilhan - and Haluk Akkoyun, which ensures Britain will not drop into the bottom tier of world tennis, alongside the likes of Andorra and San Marino.

Their victory followed wins for singles players James Ward and Jamie Baker on Friday and gives new Davis Cup captain Louis Smith a winning start and only dead rubbers to worry about on Sunday.

It's also the first time in more than 15 years that Great Britain have won a Davis Cup match without big-name players such as Andy Murray, Tim Henman or Greg Rusedski - although the lowly ranked nature of their opposition should be obviously noted.

"I'm delighted, the guys have done a great job all week and the team spirit has been fantastic," said Smith, who replaced John Lloyd following Great Britain's humbling defeat to Lithuania earlier this year.

"However, we won't get carried away as this is just the start of where we want to go.

"We need to move forwards now and this is just a block to build from as we look ahead to the future."

Skupski and Fleming, two time winners on the ATP Tour, have worked hard to establish themselves as Britain's first choice doubles partnership, reaching the second round at three consecutive Grand Slam tournaments.

The pair have made no secret they are planning long-term - with the London 2012 Olympics among their aims - and this was a convincing and professional performance, words not often used in association with the British Davis Cup team in recent years.

"The aim was to get the win and wrap it up early and it feels great," said Fleming.

"It was tough for Turkey out there but I'm delighted to get the job done in straight sets."