Saturday 7 February 2015 08:15, UK
Great Britain clinched their place in the Fed Cup play-offs with a 3-0 win over Ukraine in Budapest.
Johanna Konta and Heather Watson picked up singles wins, while doubles duo Jocelyn Rae and Anna Smith claimed a comeback victory to ensure that GB finished top of their group in the Europe/Africa Zone Group I tournament.
Judy Murray’s side will face Belarus in Saturday’s play-off, with the victors progressing to the World Group II play-offs in April.
Konta comfortably swept aside Lesia Tsurenko, defeating her higher ranked opponent 6-3 6-2, but Watson was forced to hold her nerve in a 2-6 7-5 6-4 win over world No 26 Elina Svitolina.
Rae and Smith dropped the opening set against Olga Savchuk and Svitolina, but staged a determined response to prevail 6-7 7-5 6-4.
The British side snatched top spot, despite suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat against Turkey on Thursday.
"It was an amazing day. We had such a disappointing day yesterday and everyone was very flat leaving the courts," said captain Judy Murray.
"Jo got us off to a great start with a convincing win and Heather had to dig so deep to get past Elina Svitolina, who made the last 16 of the Australian Open last week.
"To top it off our dream team doubles pair came back from losing the first set.
"It really was a fantastic performance from the girls and sets us up nicely for the play-off tomorrow and we will throw the kitchen sink at it."
