NEW PLYMOUTH, New Zealand — Rubin Statham came from a set down to help steer New Zealand to a 2-0 lead over China after the first day of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group Two final Friday.

The winner of the five-match series will be promoted to regional Group One in 2009.

Statham dropped the first set to China No. 1 Bai Yan before rallying to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2. New Zealand No. 1 Dan King-Turner then beat China's Peng Sun 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

Statham changed tactics after the first set, varied his play and prospered when Bai began to lose concentration. The New Zealander fell awkwardly in the final set, injuring his thumb, but is expected to be ready for the remainder of the weekend.

King-Turner was too strong for Peng, giving New Zealand a 2-0 lead ahead of Saturday's doubles. King-Turner and G.D. Jones will play Zeng Shaoxuan and Yu Xinyuan.