BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):
Barbados have been relegated from World Group II after being defeated by Bolivia 3-2 in their Davis Cup tie at the Raymond Forde Tennis Centre over the weekend.
In Saturday’s opening day of the best-of-five rubber, Bolivia’s Juan Carlos Pradao Angelo gave his country a winning start by defeating Kaipo Marshall 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, before Darian King levelled the tie by beating Murkel Dellien 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 in a hard-fought contest.
Bolivia regained the lead on Sunday with their doubles pair of Borias Arias and Dellien edging King and Stephen Slocombe 6-3, 2-6, 6-3, but King once again came to Barbados’ rescue by downing Angelo in straight sets in the reverse singles 7-5, 6-1, to level the score at 2-2.
The tie came down to the deciding match between Marshall and Dellien, with the winner set to remain in Group II while the loser headed to Group III.
In a thrilling contest, Dellien came out victorious 7-6, 7-6, to spark wild celebrations among the Bolivian contingent.
