PARIS: Japan came from behind to defeat Britain 3-2 in Davis Cup qualifying on Saturday, while Serbia face a relegation play-off after squandering a 2-0 lead in their loss to Denmark.

After Friday’s singles in Miki were split, Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury won the doubles to put Britain 2-1 ahead, but Yoshihito Nishioka beat Jacob Fearnley 6-3, 7-6 (7/0) to level the tie.

Kei Nishikori, the former world number four, swept Billy Harris aside 6-2, 6-3 in the deciding rubber to send Japan into September’s second qualifying round.

Britain must come through a relegation play-off to stay in the top world group next season.

Germany head to Japan in the next round after easing to a 3-1 win over Israel in Vilnius, with last year’s ATP Tour doubles champions Kevin Krawietz and Tim Putz clinching the tie.

AFP