Brazil earn Davis Cup world group playoff spot

Ambato (Ecuador) April 9 (IANS) Brazil have earned a place in the Davis Cup World Group play-offs after by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead over Ecuador in their Americas Zone second round clash.

Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares secured victory in the tie -- being played 2 500m above sea level in the Ecuadorian Andes -- by defeating Gonzalo Escobar and Roberto Quiroz 6-3 6-4 6-3 in their doubles rubber on Saturday reports Xinhua news agency.

Thomaz Bellucci and Thiago Monteiro had given Brazil a 2-0 lead on Friday when they overcame Emilio Gomez and Quiroz respectively in the singles.

Bellucci won his match 6-2 6-4 6-7 4-6 6-4 before Monteiro secured a 6-7 (6) 7-6 (0) 6-3 7-6 (7) victory.

Brazil will meet a yet-to-be-determined opponent in September for the right be play in next year s Davis Cup world group.

--IANS
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