The 25-year wait for a return to the Fed Cup World Group continues for Great Britain after an agonising final rubber doubles defeat to Japan.
Great Britain's 25-year wait for a return to the Fed Cup World Group continues after an agonising final rubber doubles defeat to Japan.
It is the fourth time in seven years that they have lost a promotion play-off, after also missing out in 2012, 2013 and 2017.
Johanna Konta and Heather Watson were the duo tasked with getting the team over the line in Miki City after captain Anne Keothavong opted to replace Anna Smith and Gabi Taylor with the experienced pairing.
That came after Konta beat the in-form Naomi Osaka 6-3 6-3 to put Britain 2-1 up on the final day before Watson lost to Kurumi Nara 7-6 6-4 to leave the tie finely poised at 2-2.
Things looked to have got off to a strong start in the final promotion play-off rubber as Konta and Watson wrapped up the opening set 6-3, winning five games in a row from 2-0 down.
Japan then rallied, moving into a 5-0 lead in the second and, while Britain reduced the deficit, the set went the way of the hosts.
Keothavong’s charges held a 3-2 lead in the decider after saving four break points themselves but that was as good as it got, failing to win another game as the Japanese team wrapped up the win 3-6 6-3 6-3.
Defeat means Great Britain drop back down to the Europe/Africa Group next February while Japan move into World Group II. Sportsbeat 2018