Goodall is the highest-ranked player in action in Roehampton

World number 196 Josh Goodall was the most impressive player on show as the LTA's new Davis Cup play-offs got under way at London's National Tennis Centre.

Goodall beat Colin Fleming 6-4 6-4 6-4, James Ward saw off Dan Evans 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 4-6 2-6 6-3, and Chris Eaton beat Alex Slabinsky 6-4 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7-5).

Great Britain captain John Lloyd has introduced the six-man play-off to select two players for his squad.

Andy Murray and Ross Hutchins are already in the team to face Ukraine.

The country's second highest-ranked player, Alex Bogdanovic, has been discarded because of his poor David Cup record.

JONATHAN OVEREND BLOG Goodall's coach Jeremy Bates thought it was the best he'd played for a long time

On Wednesday, Ward will face Eaton, Goodall will meet Slabinsky, and Evans will take on Fleming.

"I think it was a good atmosphere," Lloyd told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I think you could see it in the guys' faces, how much it meant.

"There were nerves, which is a good thing because they're going to get nervous, whoever wins, in the Davis Cup next week.

"It's a good training ground for them - only two out of the six have played five-set matches before I believe. I think the whole environment was good and they adjusted well to it."

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