Hot favourites Spain were leading 1-0 against Israel in the Davis Cup semi-final in Murcia.

The defending champions were given the perfect start when David Ferrer beat Harel Levy 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 53 minutes.

Levy came out playing a more aggressive game than usual, hitting through his backhand rather than relying on his trusted slice.

Ferrer took the opening set in just 25 minutes. Levy broke serve midway through the second set to lead 3-1. But he was unable to sustain it against a natural clay-courter, and Ferrer eventually ground him down.

The writing was on the wall as Levy was broken in the first game of the third.

Israel No. 1 Dudi Sela will look to even the tie when he takes on Juan Carlos Ferrero.