Andy Murray made sure it was all square in the Davis Cup final after he saw off Ruben Bemelmans in straight sets in Ghent, Belgium.
The world number two was made to work in the third but came through to win 6-3 6-2 7-5 to restore parity after Kyle Edmund had earlier lost an epic battle with David Goffin.
The Scot started at a blistering pace and was in complete control during the first set and it was more of the same in the second.
But Bemelmans turned on the style as he pushed Murray all the way and forced the Scot to serve to stay in the third set at 5-4.
However, the Olympic champion came through in the end and is looking forward to a doubles match with brother Jamie on Saturday.
“The third set was tricky,” he said. “I had a few chances at the start and didn’t take them and when the new balls came out he went for his shots a bit more.
“I fought hard at the end though and it was good to get off in straight sets.
“The crowd were getting wound up which is normal and you have to use that to your advantage as much as you can.
“It was a good atmosphere and it’s going to be tough for the next few days.
“It’s a big match tomorrow but me and Jamie have played some good doubles this year and hopefully we can do the same tomorrow.”
Earlier in the day Kyle Edmund made his Davis Cup debut and got off to a spectacular start as he raced two sets ahead against David Goffin.
But the Belgian battled back as Edmund faded and eventually came through 3-6 1-6 6-2 6-1 6-0 to give his country the lead.
Edmund looked in imperious form in the opening two and had Goffin on the ropes before the world number 16 came back strong.
It proved to be a stunning debut for the youngster but he admitted that it was disappointing not to close out the match.
"You're playing for your country, you're playing for your team-mates," said Edmund. "You feel like you've let them down.
"I'll look back on it and I'll say I did my best. But you're right in the moment, you're emotionally attached to it. You're just disappointed you couldn't do it for your team.”
Sportsbeat 2015