Henman has test of nerve in Ghana

Britain's Davis Cup captain, David Lloyd, was in upbeat mood yesterday after Tim Henman was given the opening match in this weekend's Euro-Africa Group Two tie against Ghana in Accra.

Henman, who became the first British player to reach the last eight at Wimbledon since Roger Taylor in 1973, should overcome the Ghanaian No 2, Issac Donkor, comfortably in the first rubber.

That should ease the pressure on Luke Milligan, the 19-year-old Londoner who will make his Cup debut when he plays Ghana's top player, Frank Ofori, in the second match.

Milligan earned his place by winning two matches at Wimbledon, against Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden and Nicolas Lapentti of Ecuador, both in the world's top 100, and should not be overawed by the opposition.

His inexperience, however, may be tested by a hostile crowd and reputedly eccentric line-calling. "It won't be easy. It will be a real test of nerve," Lloyd said.

Despite the intense heat and inexperienced officials in Ghana, Britain should win this tie with something to spare.

Henman, the world No 39, and Milligan, No 217, are far higher ranked than Ofori, at 509, while Donkor is not even ranked at all.

Neil Broad and Mark Petchey play the doubles rubber on Sunday and victory would give Britain a home match with either Egypt or the Ivory Coast in September, a contest that would decide which nation is promoted to Euro- Africa Group One.

GHANA V BRITAIN Euro-Africa Group Two Davis Cup tie in Accra: (British names first): Today: (11am): T Henman v I Donkor, L Milligan v F Ofori. Tomorrow (2pm): N Broad/M Petchey v D Omaboe/T Quaye. Sunday: (11am): Henman v Ofori, Milligan v Donkor.