Japan takes its place in the World

Rohan Bopanna conceded the dead fifth rubber against Go Soeda leading 5-4 due to a foot injury. Japan were promoted to the elite 16-nation World Group after a gap of 26 years. India,who had won 18 of the 21 previous ties against Japan,had started favourites but injuries let them down.

India arrived here without top doubles player Leander Paes,ruled out due to back spasms,then lost Somdev because of a shoulder strain before Bopannas injury. India will now have to struggle through the Asia-Oceania Group I in the 2012 season.

Vardhan stepped on to the court against Nishikori under tremendous pressure but showed the stomach for a fight,although he could not maintain the intensity with which he presented his challenge early on. The 24-year-old made all the right moves initially,forcing Nishikori to work hard for his points.

Vardhans impressive game,especially his double-handed backhand coupled with good serve and composure,reduced the ranking difference,at least in the first set. The first break of serve came in the 11th game. Facing breakpoint,Vardhan approached the net but Nishikori cashed in by smashing a forehand past the Indian,then held his own in the next to take the set.

Vardhan was again staring a double-break in the first game of the second set but saved both. Nishikori finally succeeded in breaking Vardhan in the third game,going ahead 5-3. The Indian saved first of three set points before double faulting on the second to hand a 2-0 lead to Nishikori.

Vardhan again saved two match points in the eighth game of the third set but that was not good enough. Despite the loss,though,Vardhan earned praise from his team mates and the rival camp for his performance.

His ranking is much lower than Keis,but he put up a good fight. He showed some nice skills and a strong serve early in the match, Japanese captain Eiji Takeuchi said,adding he was elated. Im very pleased with this victory today. It has been a long time since Japan played in the World Group. I can still remember when we played the United States 27 years ago. I was 20 years old then, Takeuchi said.

Vardhan himself said he played his best. I thought I played some of the best tennis of my life today. It was awesome to be a part of this Davis Cup team. I thought I really pushed Nishikori to play better, he said.

Spain,Argentina in final
CORDOBA: Rafa Nadal proved he had put his exertions at the US Open behind when he thrashed Frances Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-0 6-2 6-4 to put Spain through to the Davis Cup final. Tsonga had helped France to victory in the doubles to keep the tie alive at 2-1 but was powerless against Nadals relentless claycourt game as the world number two claimed his 17th win in 18 Davis Cup singles matches.

He did not face a single break point against Tsonga,converting six of the 17 he created,and sealed victory on his first match point when the Frenchman went long with a backhand. The victory gave Spain,bidding for a third title in four years,an unbeatable 3-1 lead ahead of the dead last rubber.

Nadal said he would prefer Argentina in Decembers final and his wish was granted when Novak Djokovic of Serbia retired hurt in the crucial first reverse singles against Juan Martin Del Potro to give Argentina a 3-1 lead over holders Serbia in their semi-final.

Del Potro was leading 7-6 3-0 when Djokovic fell with a scream of pain,appearing to have twisted his ankle as he blazed a forehand wide. A tearful Djokovic embraced Del Potro and received a standing ovation from the 18,000 crowd in the Belgrade Arena.

Play suspended
Sydney: Australia and Switzerland will have to wait until Monday to complete their battle for promotion after the deciding rubber between Lleyton Hewitt and Stanislas Wawrinka was suspended due to poor light with Wawrinka leading 4-6 6-4 6-7 7-9 6-4 5-3.