07/03/2010 - Onwards and upwards?

ACE brings you live coverage of the AEGON GB Davis Cup tie in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Today is the third day of play - AEGON Team GB were defeated 2-3 by Lithuania. James Ward has lost 6-7, 3-6, 4-6 to Ricardas Berankis. Dan Evans fell 7-6, 5-7, 0-6, 6-2, 4-6 to Laurynas Grigelis.

Why not add your view to the action, get in touch with us on letters@acetennismagazine.com, twitter or on our facebook page. Press control + F5 to refresh the screen and follow the action as it happens...

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8pm Over and out

The lights have been turned off, the stands are being dismantled, and all those rickety chairs packed away...

And any moment now the internet will probably be switched off, so I'd better hop to it. A very disappointing result for Team GB, and absolutely gutting for John and the boys - they can't be faulted for effort. That's me signing off from Davis Cup in Vilnius, I do hope you have enjoyed the coverage, despite the technical problems, thank you all for following, and as ever, I welcome feedback. get in touch with us on letters@acetennismagazine.com, twitter or on our facebook page.

It's been emotional. Over and out.

7.45pm Lithuanian reaction

To the Lithuanian's credit, it's probably the best sporting achievement in their history for a long while....by a teenage team who played their socks off. You can understand why the crowd reacted like this...

They'll be celebrating all night long.

7.15pm Post match reaction

As you would expect, both Dan and John are absolutely devastated. They praise Grigelis for his form, but there's no doubt that this hurts a lot.

Dan Evans to the press: "I didn't think he could play that good for five sets, but he did. He beat me in a fifth set and played that bit better than me throughout the match."

John Lloyd to the press: "Grigelis was at times, stunning. His backhand was absolutely brilliant. If I was going to put one shot that turned the match, it was at 2-1 in the fifth, break point, and he had a backhand that hit both lines. It was not a percentage shot that even a top 20 player would go for. But he wet for it and made it. I thought he was absolutely brilliant."

What it means, is that GB will now face Turkey in July to avoid relegation to Europe/Africa Zone Group III, and that is not a happy place to be.

6.50pm Evans 3 Grigelis 6

Yet again, I apologise for the lack of updating. The surge of interest proved to be a bit too much for the server..so if you missed it, here's what happened.

Grigelis has a chance to close out the match at 5-3 up, but Evans digs deep to hang onto his serve and force the Lithuanian to take care of business. It looks like Evo will pull off the come back when he's 0-40 on the LG serve... three break points .....but Grigelis pulls off three spectacular shots to take it to deuce, advantage, and a second match point. This time, it's too much, and LG hits yet another winner to win the match, and win the tie for Lithuania.

DAN EVANS IS DEFEATED 7-6, 5-7, 0-6, 6-2, 4-6 BY LAURNYAS GRIGELIS, MEANING THAT AEGON TEAM GB LOSE 2-3 TO LITHUANIA

6.15pm Evans 2 Grigelis 4

It's reaching fever pitch here in Vilnius. Despite Ken Skupski's best efforts, Evans throws away two break points on the Grigelis serve at 2-2, and then finds himself 0-40 down on his own serve.

He saves two break points with some bombastic tennis, but can't manage the third. Grigelis hammers a backhand down the line (which almost looks out), and takes the break. Another twist in this topsy turvy game.

The Lithuanian then holds to love, and is two games from an epic victory. Don't stop believing Evo. If you win this, I'll get up and sing the Glee song at the top of my voice.

5.48pm Evans 6 Grigelis 2

To all video viewers, the stream is slow because of the overwhelming numbers...Please bear with it and don't refresh, as that will simply slow it down.

Suddenly, the wheels have fallen off the Grigelis mobile. He saves Dan the trouble of serving for the set, and slumps to a love break. Well I never. Evans takes the fourth set 6-2, and there's life in the Brummie youngster yet. Both players take a break at the changeover.

James Evans on email: "Glad to have you back. I made a dash home to get back just in time for the fourth set. Unfortunately, supporting the blue half of Birmingham, I am not happy they're makin a come back, but I do hope they're luck rubs off on Daniel. Come on Daniel, keep up the good work and forget the third set!" He seems like a very dedicated uncle.

5.44pm Evans 5 Grigelis 2

Urged on by the GB bench, trying to be as loud as they can, Evo gets himself a few break points on the Lithuanian's serve.....but they keep wandering off like London buses. Come on Evo. I'm sure that's the 100th time I've typed that. A well constructed point gives him another break point , and this time, he gets it.

Hold to consolidate then please Master Evo....30-0, and it's looking good. 'Big points these,' says Mike Dickson of the Daily Mail. 40-0....much better. He gets the hold. Crucial.

5.35pm Evans 3 Grigelis 2

Evans is looking a little more like the player of the first set, but it's certainly tough out there. He clings on to hold and stay ahead on serve.

We met a Wimbledon steward yesterday, who was here to watch with his wife....sadly they had to go home early, but have just written in to say hi... Ian Houston on email: "Now that we are home we are following the team's progress. Wish we had stayed now. Urge Evo on for us please Ian. He needs it.

5.30pm Evans 2 Grigelis 2

Would you believe it, Grigelis breaks right back to get this set back on serve. No rhyme or reason at all here in Vilnius.

@MarkWitchell on twitter: Evans completely self-destructed in that set. He needs to get back to the basics which are so much better than Grigelis. GO! I hope he's listening Mark.

Evans has three break points on the Grigelis serve, but throws them away in spectacular fashion. Come on Evo. We're locked at 2-2.

5.15pm Evans 2 Grigelis 0

Sorry that I've been absent....with impeccable timing, the internet here had a heart attack, ending the live text and the video stream.

But all you've missed is a set Dan Evans will want to forget. He was nowhere to be seen, double faulting three times on break points to lose the third set 6-0. Grigelis on the other hand is absolutely flying.

So...Set 4, and time for a clean slate. Evo is an Aston Villa supporter - can he take inspiration from the fact that they've just scored three goals in 10 minutes?

It seems he can. He survives several deuces to hold, and then comes out and breaks Grigelis . Come on Evo.

4.38pm Evans 5 Grigelis 7

There's serving a match out, and there's serving it out in style. Wham, bam thank you Dan, Grigelis serves out the set to love, and it's one set all.

But, as @DavidLawTennis says on twitter: "Midlanders don't quit" . There's life in Dan Evans yet, I know it.

4.32pm Evans 5 Grigelis 6

The Lithuanian serving to stay in this absorbing second set...can Dan finish it off? At 30-15, there's potential, but he misses a forehand and swishes his racket at the air in anger. Come on Dan. Keep it cool. He gets a point back when LG nets a curling volley, but Grigelis holds.

The crowd are doing the We will rock you thumping again. I have a headache. Anyone else? A drop shot attempt doesn't quite come off for Evo, but still, it's 15-15. Oh no. Somehow that becomes 15-40, and Grigelis has two break points. Very dangerous this. Grigelis sends his forehand long and groans in dismay. Take that. One BP still to save...and what a time for an ace. Well done Dan Evans.

Game point for Evo, and LG chooses it to hit a wicked lob. 'That's unbelievable' say the British press. And annoying. A big backhand return gives LG a third break point, and he scorches a backhand down the line to take it. Grigelis breaks. I've crunched my paper coffee cup.

4.22pm Evans 5 Grigelis 4

This would be the perfect time for Evo to step in and snatch a break. But sadly Grigelis isn't planning on letting that happen. He's still serving very well and goes 30-15 up. But as per usual, I speak too soon.

Evans finds a forehand winner, and suddenly it's 30-30. But LG comes up with a big serve, and a big backhand. Again. How different would this match be on a slower court I wonder?

4-4 then, and we might be heading for another tie-break. Having said that, it's 30-30 on Evo's serve for the first time in a wee while. But the Brit keeps the big serves in play, to get game point. Oh ho. Deuce. And now the British press have started telling the fog horn to keep it down. He may be a 'nice fella,' but he's not too popular.

Uh oh. LG finds some magic from somewhere, and has himself break point. I can't hear myself type. Pheeeew. Grigelis misses the backhand. Deuce. Massive serve from Evo and he screams in delight. He holds.

@NorthyMark2 Featured by @ACETennisMag on the LTA website live text, made my day. Evans just looks so positive and attacking in stance. You are more than welcome Mark...thanks for writing in.

4.12pm Evans 4 Grigelis 3

Where do you stand on booing? I don't like it one little bit. But each to their own. The Vilnius crowd applaud Grigelis as he holds to 15. Madeline on britishtennis.net: "I'm glad to see Dan didn't get too riled up about that late and somewhat dubious call that earned him a double fault. I'm liking his attitude here, he looks eager and determined. Having a reputation of being a bit stroppy, maybe he thrives on having the crowd against him! Let's hope so!

And I think you're proved right...Dan's quite happy to give it a bit of lip. Keep it clean though young Evo. Please. There are children watching. He's certainly firing on all cylinders though....approaches he wasn't making on Friday, he's now pulling off with Henman-esque ease.

Comic moment when Grigelis attempts a hot dog through the legs and fails, miserably. Unless you count it not even reaching the net as success. Evo holds to 15.

4.05pm Evans 3 Grigelis 2

Grigelis holds again, and he is playing well above his 521 ranking, I must say. But this is a different Dan Evans from the tie in Poland, and I'm not the only one who thinks that... @NorthyMark2 on twitter:This is a completely different Dan Evans compared to the last Davis Cup match don't you think? Do you agree?

Evo holds to 15 to stay ahead.

3.59pm Evans 2 Grigelis 1

Well, well, well. Two massive returns and an ace. Fantastic stuff from Dan Evans. @scoobschris on twitter: well done Dan, delighted the efforts of some Lithuanian fans there to insert themselves into the match did not work. In fact, there's talk of ejecting the fog horn for his mid-point interruptions. Seriously.

Here's Dan at the end of that first set.

And yes, uncle James, I know it's a bit blurry. There's a glass panel in the way. Very sorry.

Set No.2, and this is extremely exciting. Evans holds, followed by Grigelis, followed by Evans. I'm trying to type at double-quick speed, but my fingers keep falling over each other. You know what I mean.

3.50pm TB: Grigelis 6 Evans 8

But how the tide can turn. Grigelis wins his next two serve points, and with a hop, skip and high jump in the air, hits an extraordinary shot to get a mini break and go 6-4 up. Two set points for Grigelis. Yikes and Yikes again.

Evo holds the next point to bring it back to 6-5, but Grigelis will serve for the set...big serve, massive return, and the fog horn shouts out mid point! Evans concentrates though, and smashes the ball down to make it 6-6.

It's Evo's turn to take one back....the bench are on their feet as he gets set point ....Grigelis' shot flies out, and Dan Evans takes the first set 7-6. Snatched that. Unbelievable.

3.45pm TB: Grigelis 3 Evans 4

LG gets himself on the board in the TB, but there's a massive rumpus when he questions a dodgy call. They replay the point, and he wins it. Evo still a mini-break up though, 3-2. Sweet like chocolate.

Evo skips into his forehand to deposit it plum in the corner for another winner, and he goes 4-2 up. So far so good. I'd like to learn that shot. But then Grigelis whallops his forehand like whipping cream to steal the mini-break back. Bother.

3.40pm TB: Grigelis 0 Evans 3

Young Daniel serves to stay in the set for the second time, and when he puts his mind to it, he can play beautifully. A lovely volley gives him 40-0, and he takes the set into a tiebreak with an ace. He even manages to crack a smile as the fog horn unleashes another tirade.

The second tiebreak of the day then, and Dan is pumping himself up....a massive winner on the first point gives him a mini break. 'Come on!!!!' he yells. He consolidates for a 3-0 lead with two big serves. Better stuff this.

3.35pm Grigelis 6 Evans 5

Evans is serving to stay in the set, and this could get ugly. Thankfully, it doesn't. The Solihull 19-year-old keeps himself in the set with a love hold, just what the doctor, and Team GB ordered. Mentally that's got to help.

Can he use it to get a way into Grigelis' game? He's just serving that bit too well. They keep flying off his racket like turbo rockets. Buzz Lightyear eat your heart out. But whaddya know, LG nets a simple backhand, and it's suddenly 15-30. A chance here for Dan the man. And then Grigelis double faults! Two break points for Evans. A tub thumping serve takes care of the first, and a backhand winner slap bang into the middle of the court takes care of the second. Bother.

He's really got the winners going, this young Lithuanian, and it's really very annoying. Game point Grigelis. An ace gives it to him.

Most people watch their tennis with a cup of tea, or maybe even an alcoholic beverage. Not this chap... @NorthyMark2 on twitter: Now watching with Honey Loop cereal and pineapple & mango juice. Sounds delicious Mark. Enjoy.

3.27pm Grigelis 5 Evans 4

Laury G ups the pressure on the Evo serve, but he keeps in it, holding to 30 and levelling this first set at 4-4. But there's absolutely no way in for Evo on the Grigelis serve. He bang, bang, bangs his way to 40-0, and an easy as pie hold.

3.20pm Grigelis 4 Evans 3

What you can do, I can do, Grigelis is saying to Dan the man. Evans holds, followed by another easy hold for LG. The Lithuanians wave their flags with abandon.

A quick aside..I have just received an email entitled "Regarding the fog horn." It's priceless, and very informative.

Liutauras from Vilnius on email: "First, it is nice to read all Your comments on lta.org.uk. Thanks for that. I thought I would let myself give You some information about several issues. The guy, You refer to as "the fog horn", is actually a huge fan of Andy Murray. People, who know him from the internet have even wondered, who would he have supported if Andy was in Vilnius now. :) As far as I know he already tried to get known in O2 arena in London acting the same way. Anyway, a nice fella. :) Another thing is I imagine is already told to You by someone about Berankis. Ironicly his name in Lithuanian means Armless, i.e. "Ranka" in lithuanian is "arm" and "be" means "without". Despite that he is becoming a rather good tennis player. And the last thing. The photo of Lithuanians travelling in a basket. This weekend is a national festival - a day of Kazimieras the Saint. So thanks again for all reviews and comments.

You are most welcome Liutauras. Thank you for writing in. And I'm delighted to know the fog horn is a nice fella. I just wish he'd be less vocal.

3.15pm Grigelis 3 Evans 2

Evo holds again to level it at 2-2, still shaking his hand a little because of that blister. Grigelis responds with a hold of his own. To 15 no less.

Full marks to Team GB for positive attitude though...keep it coming.

Who's got the best fist pump?

3.09pm Grigelis 2 Evans 1

Off we go then. Evans has got a black karate kid headband on today, white shirt, and black shorts. Very menacing. Grigelis has gone opposite - black top and white shorts. I wonder if there's any psychology in that?

The Lithuanian starts on serve, holding, followed by an Evans hold and plenty of 'come on's'. Just the ticket. But Dan's got a blister. Uh oh. Grigelis serving again, and it's looking good when Evo applies the pressure to make it 15-30. But the Lithuanian smashes a ball from the baseline for 30-30. Risky business.

Big forehand winner down the line as the GB bench on their feet, and Evo has break point. Tip top. But the 523-ranked Lithy saves it, and holds.

2.45pm James in press

There are no British journos to listen to James in press, partly because they've all started writing their stories, so instead, he gives his post-match thoughts to a room full of Lithuanians. And, er, me.

He's obviously disappointed, but looks at the positives from today as well.... James Ward: "It came down to a few points. He served really well today, I served well as well, but I could have done a bit more on the return, and make him play a few more points. But there was not much in it, just two breaks. It's tough."

"It's been a great experience. I started off with a win, the perfect start, I played really well, and I think I played well today. I'm glad to always play for my country, it's always enjoyable we've had a great team spirit, and I'll look forward to playing again if I'm picked."

All in all, not a bad debut.

2.35pm Down to a decider

So, as we predicted might happen, but hoped wouldn't, it will come down to the fifth and final rubber here in Vilnius. Dan Evans will be psyching himself up in the locker room, getting the Brummie fighting talk going...

Steven on britishtennis.net: "That's a pity, it would have been going into the next tie if one of our players had beaten a higher-ranked opponent, but still, James did the main bit of his job in clinical fashion on Friday and after taking Berankis to 5 sets, Evo is going to come out of this tie looking very good if he can manage to avoid self-destructing against Grigelis."

Meanwhile, just look at how beserk the Lithuanians went over that victory...

Frightening.

2.25pm Ward 4 Berankis 6

Now or never time for James Ward, and he starts well with 0-15. But then RB ramps it up, romping to 30-15, 40-15, and two match points. Another titanic rally, which is just the way the match has gone through all three sets, and Ward's backhand goes in the net.

JAMES WARD LOSES 6-7, 3-6, 4-6 TO RICARDAS BERANKIS TO MAKE IT AEGON TEAM GB 2-2 LITHUANIA

2.20pm Ward 3 Berankis 5

Berankis is really scenting victory now, like the journalists here are clamouring for pizza....he holds very easily, and is just a game from the win.

Ward will have to serve to stay in it. And all credit to him, he holds to love. Berankis will serve for the match.

Stop press. The live video feed on www.lta.org.uk/daviscup is back up and running.

2.14pm Ward 3 Berankis 4

It's crucial for Ward to stay ahead here....even the British umbrella is looking a little perturbed. He's 40-30 up on serve, but suddenly double faults to make it deuce. Ouch. He misses the next backhand by inches, checks with the umpire, and Berenkis has break point. The music suddenly starts. Helpful.

Wardy gets out of jail with an ace, and the crowd treat him to some boos. Channel it James, channel it. Ooh. He's just given the fog horn quite a glower. Once again, it's the serve that's keeping JW in it, another big 'un giving him game point. But the backhand trickles long. This is a tad agonizing. More clobbering and clattering, and Ward hooks a forehand out to give Berankis break point No.2 . Once again, it's the serve that's saved it.

Wardinho is looking a little weary out there, which doesn't bode well. Come on James, cling on with your fingernails. But Berankis isn't giving any quarter. Gone are the errors of Friday, and he gets a third break point. Massive roars all round, and Berankis gets the break.

2.04pm Ward 3 Berankis 3

goldfish on britishtennis.net: "Isn't RB playing much better than he did on Friday? Great serving. I think James is keeping a pretty good gameface on. Hasn't crumbled yet." Yes, no sign of any crumble (even though I'd love an apple crumble)...Ward still testing and trying to get some ground on Berankis.

Sadly, it just isn't there. RB keeps the serve ticking over, finishing off points with some deep forehands. But then Ward hits a forehand of his own, which stays so low it skips right past Riccy's racket! 40-30....And a double fault from the Lithuanian! Deuce. Another whackattack forehand from Wardy pulls it back to deuce for a second time, and he's really hanging on in there.

Berenkis nets the backhand, and suddenly Ward's got himself break point. The fog horn hits his head in dismay. Tee hee. But once again, RB is the more solid from the baseline, and James hits his forehand wide. Deuce. Big serve from Berankis, and he holds.

1.56pm Ward 3 Berankis 2

This Lithuanian really has got some mettle in that belly. 'Fantastika' cry the commentators as he holds serve to 15. They are an enthusiastic bunch.

And a British fan has taken matters into her own hands as far as the fog horn is concerned...'Shut up,' she cries, as he babbles on. Quite right. Pipe down foggy. Wardy holds.

1.51pm Ward 2 Berankis 1

The fog horn's been a little quiet for a while, but he seems to have recharged his batteries because he's just started yelling unintelligibly again. Berenkis holds to keep it 1-1.

And oh ho, we're treated to the rally of the match...Ward scampering from side to side, hitting angle after angle, and floating a sliced backhand just into the court to win the point! Andy Murray, are you watching? Greg must be very proud.

Two can play at that game though...Berenkis drop shots JW, and hits a scorching backhand past him. 15-30, and a little tricksy for James. He wins the next point though, to a fanfare of boos from the Lithuanian crowd. Surely that's not cricket?

But toto, we're not in Wimbledon any more.....Berankis plays an unbelievable point to get himself break point. This is trouble indeed. Big serve from Ward, they go backhand to backhand, before James steps in to hit a backhand winner just like Novak Djokovic. Well played. He holds. Phew.

1.41pm Ward 1 Berankis 0

Well. My script has well and truly been torn up and is in the bin. Bother. Can Wardy come back from this? Madeline on britishtennis.net: "*Sigh* It's a tough task now." Yes indeed. Come on James.

Berankis goes for a bathroom break, and we're into set No.3, Wardy to open it. He seems to have put that last set right behind him, and holds to 15. Well done.

Lord Overend of the BBC has pointed out an absolute gem. There's a girl in a green t-shirt with the slogan "Get your hands off my shamrocks". Brillarriffic. Perhaps she's an Irish scout.

1.33pm Berankis 6 Ward 3

Berankis serving for a 2 set lead, and he's really got the fist pumps going. It's a little sickening. Can Ward claw his way back in? He wins the first point, when RB balloons a forehand into the rafters, but wins the next. A ferocious exchange from well behind the baseline, and JW steps into the forehand to go 15-30 up. A chance here.

That chance becomes a real opening....15-40 and Ward has two break back points. He puts his forehand just long to miss the first, and RB hits a clunking serve to save the next. Deuce. Another big serve and it's set point Berankis. An ace will do it. Berankis takes the second set 6-3. Oof.

Sorry about getting the time wrong on those last few posts. I suddenly thought I was back in the UK. Must be those electric shocks causing me mental aberrations.

1.28pm Berankis 5 Ward 3

Wardy on serve again, and the pressure in here is tremedous. It's like a giant cooker. Sadly, it seems to be squeezing in to his game, and from deuce he shanks a forehand into the roof to give Berankis a break point . The Lithuanian wallops the return, Ward's forehand goes in the net, and Berankis breaks for the first time in the match. Uh oh.

1.23pm Berankis 4 Ward 3

James Ward plays his best game of the match to hold serve, again to 15, and keep his beanpole self in it. There's no sign of any chinks in Berankis' armour yet, and the crowd and Lithuanian bench are on their feet every time he wins a point. That's got to help.

Having said that, dolling a simple forehand into the net takes him from 40-15 to 40-30....but James' forehand just flies long. Oh no it doesn't! It's called out, but is well in. Replay the point. The poor scoreboard lady...she's having issues keeping up!

Wardy wins the next point to make it deuce, and there might be a glimmer here....Oh. Ace from Berankis. He holds.

1.14pm Berankis 3 Ward 2

A note for all those viewers out there struggling with the live stream. Due to sheer demand, it's having a few teething problems. But the techies are on the case so please do bear with us.

There's the first inkling that the pressure is getting to Wardy...he's taken to deuce on his serve for the first time, and this is danger mouse territory. But then Berako shanks a simple forehand to give Ward game point. He misses that one, but gets another, and serves his way out of trouble. Good man.

Maybe time to turn the pressure screw on young Riccy? 30-15 is a lot closer than it's been for a while. But then the Lithuanian takes his turn to whack down an ace and hold. Still on serve.

On a separate up the Brits note, Sean Thornley has won his second successive AEGON British Tour title in Bolton. Sam Vickers won the women's title. Read about Sean's victory.

1.04pm Berankis 2 Ward 1

That was a bit of a shame. Three errors from Wardy gave it to RB....it just hammers home how much every point counts. There's lots of time yet though....perhaps he can come out and get an early break? Erm, no.

Berankis holds, JW holds, and the Lithuanian holds again, this time to love.

Spot of the day from The RGC....The Lithuanians have a Steven Martens lookalike.

I'll bet he doesn't have his own analyzer though....if you missed Steven's description of how he tracks the matches, watch the video from yesterday.

12.55pm TB: Ward 4 Berankis 7

But Ward pulls the mini-break back! See saw tennis here in Vilnius. It's 4-4 now and closer than ever. James hooks a forehand wide though, and Berankis goes 4-5 up. Serving for the set....Ward's return flies out, and RB has two set points. Yikes.

He nets the forehand, and Berankis takes the first set 7-6. Early days yet though. No need to press the panic button just yet.

12.50pm TB: Ward 2 Berankis 3

Berankis serving to stay in the set for the second time...and he holds to 15. A tiebreak it will be. 'Yessssss' go the Lithuanian commentators. Steady on.

Tiebreak territory, and I should be able to tell you about Wardy's tiebreak record. With that big serve, I imagine he quite likes them. He goes 1-0 up. Good stuff. And then 2-0! Great stuff. RB gets one back with a big forehand, but James still has the mini-break. Can he consolidate? No. Bother. 2-2. Uh oh. Mini break for Berankis. Tense.

12.45pm Ward 6 Berankis 5

Now we'll see what Berankis is made of...he's serving to stay in the set. And he goes and holds to love. Nerves of steel. Come on James. Keep it up, two, three. 15-0 is a great start. 30-0 is better, 40-0 is fab, the hold is tip top.

As ever, the Lithuanians are in fine voice.

Wonder who she loves..John Lloyd?

12.39pm Ward 5 Berankis 4

RB holds again, and it really is noice and toight out here in the first set (said in an Irish accent). The Brit serving to get himself a game away from the set, and a very loud call sees Berankis slam a ball very near the vicinity of the line judge in question's head. Sheesh. I'll bet he's got a temper.

It's a close, close game though...15-15, then 30-30. Big serve from James out wide to the Berankis forehand makes it 40-30. And then a baby cries. I wonder where the little mite came from. It doesn't bother James though...he holds. Great variety on his serve so far, is the journo verdict.

Speaking of the Irish, I have been asked a question.... Marshall Thomas of wheelchair tennis on email: "So if we win this one and get Ireland, would ATG and the RGC prefer an away tie, then....a little Irish hospitality and all that goes with it?" The answer Marshall, is definitely yes, not because I'd like to see some Leprechauns, but because it is definitely an away tie!

12.31pm Ward 4 Berankis 3

But two can play at that game. RB comes out and holds to 15 as well. Neck and neck, at 3-3. Wardy goes 30-15 up again on his serve, and then 40-15...he's as impenetrable as the crown jewels at the moment. He holds.

The players aren't the only ones who have to be good at death stares...just look at the tension on these two faces....

Or maybe they're thinking...'gosh I need a cup of tea.'

To those on britishtennis.net who reported our stream is having a few teething problems, don't worry, I've passed it on, so should be back to normal. Let me know if not.

12.25pm Ward 3 Berankis 2

Richie B is looking too daunted at all out there. Or is he? He's 40-0 up on his serve, and then floats a simple forehand out. Odd. And then sky highs a backhand! 'That's professionally called 'a shank,' comments The RGC. Moments later, Berankis misses on the backhand...Deuce. Perhaps he's not so cucumber-like after all.

Or not. RB holds. Wardy wins the first point on his serve, bosh, the next one, bosh, and wins the game to 15, again with an ace. That's four so far.

12.17pm Ward 2 Berankis 1

The one thing I'm a little peturbed about is if Wardy can match RB's consistency from the baseline...but he's certainly come out swinging. He gets a point on the Lithuanian's serve straight away, but RB steps it up a little to hold. Close already.

JW serving to keep his lead, and the fog horn is doing his level best to drown out his concentration. Where's a translator when you need one? He goes 0-15 down for the second service game in a row, but fires it up to get back to 30-15. He wins the game with an ace. How about that.

12.12pm Ward 1 Berankis 0

Off we go then, match number four, and James Ward does the honours by kicking off on serve. With a double fault. Whoops. The serve will be key for Wardinho out there today, so let's hope he gets it going. He does. One serve is so big that it bounces backwards off Berankis' racket. He looks at it in disgust. Ward holds to 30.

The British journos have noticed the fog horn too. 'He must have had a day off yesterday.' Shame he didn't continue it today.

12.05pm Warming up

Here come the line judges, in ascending height order as before....believe it or not, there is Brit among them, called Jonathan, who has been placed on the service line because he has better eyesight than the Lithuanians. Apparently. What a clever bean. He travels the world as a line judge, which is actually pretty cool....why not find out more about being an Organiser or Official?

You never know, you could end up being the next James Keothavong.

The stampeding starts as Wardy and Richie B take to the court for their warm-up accompanied by their captains....this crowd are like a herd of rhinos!

And well done Team GB, they've clearly woken up in a red, white, and blue mood....Ken, Colin and Dan have got Union Jacks draped across their shoulders. Probably quite cosy.

The umbrella man is back too. But so is the fog horn. Uh oh. Better find some ear plugs.

11.50am Ready to rumble

We've got hooters, thundersticks, and 'testing testing' on the PA system....and what sounds suspiciously like Stevie Wonder. Not my music of choice to get a crowd going, but there you go. Let's hope this is a proper rumble in the jungle, or tussle in the tramlines, or corker on court. Any more for me?

Colin Fleming is already getting the chanting going from the locker room... @flemskitennis on twitter: "Wardinho wohhhho! Wardinho wohhho! He comes from London town, he sends the bullets down! Wardinho wohhho..." I wonder what tune that goes to....

Let's do this thing. Back in a flash.

11.20am British fans at the ready

Right then. After that last statement, I'm suddenly being referred to as 'Eric.' My fault. And yes, James Evans, I do need a new camera.

Not only that, we've suddenly got a lot of chat about bananas... @taekwondobabe on twitter: "Did you know that Andy Murray hates bananas and won't eat them? He's the only tennis player I know that doesn't like them." Yes I did know that. If I remember rightly, its because he doesn't like the way they go all brown and mushy. I kind of agree.

Yellow fruit aside, I've also had a few predictions in, and it's looking like we're going for Ward in 4....good positive stuff. Lady Tigress on britishtennis.net: "Ward to wrap it up for us against Berankis in 4 sets, and Evo to play a dead rubber with best of three, if Grigelis then 3 sets win for Evo, if Mugevicius then 2 sets win for Evo." She also comments on my 'Top of the Morning' opener.....yes, that was my attempt at saying 'bring on the Irish.' Damp squib, clearly!

The fans are pouring in to the arena, and among them, two very keen supporters, who've only gone and got themselves a couple of goodies...

In fact, watch this space as to how you can get your hands on more signed merchandise from the boys. Just over half an hour to go.

10.45am Bananas

Wardy and Dan are training away on the court....as ever watched by the Vitas' best friend John Lloyd and Paul Annacone.

Dan the man's uncle James has already been in touch to send his good wishes. James Evans emailing from Dubai: "Good luck to Team GB today and good luck to Daniel. Hopefully (if needed) he can take the confidence gained from Friday's match, and win the final rubber. Have a great day. Why thank you James.

Setting up camp on my desk in the sky, it's always helpful to find that the internet has had a heart attack overnight. Thankfully, unlike in Portugal, it's soon up and running again. Just as well, The RGC can't be offline for more than half an hour...he'd stop breathing.

Meanwhile, the young volunteers who make this event happen are scurrying around, tying up chairs, stocking up fridges, and making sure all the essential supplies are in place....

I used to want to be banana man. Embarrassing. But true.

10am Top of the morning

...to you all. It's a bright and beautiful day here in Vilnius, and everyone is champing at the bit to get going. Except the famous yellow bus. It's missing in action.

I've just seen the Fleming support party at breakfast, and they assure me they've been taking their sore throat pastilles and will be giving it some real welly in that arena today. Good good.

Meanwhile, catch up with what happened yesterday .

So, predictions for today's matches please? Ward to seal the deal? Evans to pull off a five-set victory? Get in touch- letters@acetennismagazine.com, twitter or on our facebook page......

In case you are wondering, no, I am yet to see any rowdy British stag parties. I'm beginning to think it might be a myth.

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