The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Deciding set woe as Britain edged out by Japan
Great Britain narrowly missed out on qualification for Fed Cup World Group II after losing the deciding set of their tie against Japan in Miki.
Johanna Konta beat Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-3 to move GB to within one win of promotion but Heather Watson was beaten 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 by Kurumi Nara as Japan levelled the tie.
Konta and Watson then joined forces in the doubles and looked set to lead Britain to glory when they won the first set but Japanese pair Miyu Kato and Makoto Ninomiya rallied for a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory to send Japan, and not Britain, up.
Anna Smith and debutant Gabi Taylor were the original nominations for the doubles but British captain Anne Keothavong replaced them with the more experienced pairing after Watson lost yesterday’s second singles match.
Britain have not competed in the World Group since 1993.
It is the fourth time in seven years that they have lost a promotion play-off.
“One day our opportunity will come,” said Keothavong.
“If you keep knocking on the door, it will eventually open. It wasn’t to be this year but who is to say it won’t be next year?”
Britain will compete again in Europe/Africa Group I in February 2019, playing three matches against three nations in a neutral venue in an attempt to reach another play-off.