Thais upset Aussies, enter world group

Thailand8217;s women took an unbeatable 3-0 lead today in their key Fed Cup playoff here against Australia that saw them enter the elite top 16 world group of nations for the first time.

Tamarine Tanasugarn8217;s victory in the first of the reverse singles rubbers also saw Australia relegated for the first time ever in the 41-year history of the competition.

In the battle of the two number ones, Tamarine defeated Australia8217;s Nicole Pratt 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, thus sealing the contest even before the second of the reverse singles and the doubles rubber.

Australia have not won the Fed Cup since 1974.