BOULTER HAS THE BOTTLE FOR HISTORY
GREAT BRITAIN’S tennis stars last night ended a 26-year absence from the Fed Cup top table.
Jo Konta and Katie Boulter claimed victories to earn a 3-1 win over Kazakhstan in London.
And that meant captain Anne Keothavong was able to savour World Group play-off success at the fifth time of asking.
Britain had fallen at this hurdle four times in the last seven years, with Keothavong involved in every one – twice as a player and twice as skipper.
But Konta took the last four games in a 4-6 6-2 7-5 win over Yulia Putintseva before Boulter finished the job to secure promotion to World Group II.
Despite still using a hot water bottle during changes of ends for an injury to her right hip and lower back, Boulter battled back to beat Zarina Diyas 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-1.
She said: “It was hurting a little bit yesterday but I knew if I was mentally strong then I could get through anything.”
Keothavong, who along with Boulter admitted she had not slept on Saturday night, said: “I’m ecstatic for the team. I’m just totally in awe of these women.” BASKETBALL: Glasgow Rocks clinched their BBL play-off spot with an 84-72 win at Surrey Scorchers.
Bo Zeigler racked up 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Scots stormed clear with a 23-5 run in the third period in Guildford.
Coach Vincent Lavandier said: “Yes, we want to be in play-offs but what is more important is to be playing well. We are making improvements. The players are working hard.”
Caledonia Pride finished second bottom in the 12-team WBBL after losing 53-39 at Cardiff in their final game yesterday. GOLF: Teenager Pia Babnik completed a wire-to-wire win to be crowned the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open champion at Royal Troon.
The Slovenian, aged just 15, posted a bogey-free six-under 66 yesterday to finish the event seven clear of Charlotte Bunel of France.
Scotland’s Shannon McWilliam finished fourth on six under while also winning the annual team event with Chloe Goadby.
Bathgate’s Joseph Bryce toasted a second straight Scottish amateur success with a three-shot victory to lift the Battle Trophy at Crail.
The 21-year-old, who won the Craigmillar Park Open a week earlier, posted Easter Sunday rounds of 66 and 68 to finish on 12-under 276.
He said: “It has been an amazing two weeks.”