Barty proves Fed Cup hero

AN Ashleigh Barty treble helped Australia avoid an almighty Fed Cup upset against Ukraine in Canberra yesterday.

The World Group II tie was pushed to the deciding doubles match after Daria Gavrilova dropped both her singles rubbers.

World No.16 Barty backed up her two singles wins by reigniting her successful doubles partnership with Casey Dellacqua to deliver Australia a 3-2 win. The win puts Australia into the World Group playoffs in April.