KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Regardless of a valiant effort, Jamaica fell brief of their World Group II tie in opposition to New Zealand, dropping 3-2 on the Eric Bell Tennis Centre on Sunday.
The consequence means Jamaica has been relegated and can compete in World Group III in September.
The Jamaican crew of Rowland Phillips, Blaise Bicknell, John Chin, Nicholas Gore, and Daniel Azar was one set away from claiming a historic win over New Zealand’s crew of Ajeet Rai, Kiranpal Pannu, Jack Loutit, Alexander Klintcharov, and Flynn Reynolds.
With the scores tied at 2-2, the unranked Phillips was on the verge of a shock defeat of Loutit, ranked 919 on this planet, within the deciding reverse singles match.
The Jamaican began nicely, breaking Loutit twice to take the primary set 6-3, a lot to the house crowd’s delight.
Nevertheless, Loutit fought again within the second set to win 6-3 to pressure a 3rd and decisive set.
Phillips appeared on his method to a memorable win after breaking Loutit early in that set to take a 2-0 lead.
However he was unable to take care of that momentum, and Loutit fought again to take the set 6-3. The victory helped New Zealand stave off relegation.
