KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Despite a valiant effort, Jamaica fell short in their World Group II tie against New Zealand, losing 3-2 at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre on Sunday.
The result means Jamaica has been relegated and will compete in World Group III in September.
The Jamaican team 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 team 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 surprise defeat of Loutit, ranked 919 in the world, in the deciding reverse singles match.
The Jamaican started well, breaking Loutit twice to take the first set 6-3, much to the home crowd’s delight.
However, Loutit fought back in the second set to win 6-3 to force a third and decisive set.
Phillips seemed on his way to a memorable win after breaking Loutit early in that set to take a 2-0 lead.
But he was unable to maintain that momentum, and Loutit fought back to take the set 6-3. The victory helped New Zealand stave off relegation.
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