Americas I: Colombia join Argentina in the Play-offs

The host nation knew victory against an unbeaten Argentina side that was already assured of a place in the Play-offs would cement top spot in Pool A and they duly delivered in a contest that needed a decisive doubles match to produce a winner.

 

Yuliana Lizarazo's ninth singles win in the Billie Jean King Cup gave Colombia the perfect start as she beat world No.168 Martina Capurro Taborda 6-4 6-4.

 

It was a huge upset for world No.1297 Lizarazo, yet the home fans were forced to wait for their moment of victory as Julia Riera made her class tell with a 6-2 6-1 win against Maria Paulina Perez-Garcia in the second match of the tie.

 

That set up a crucial doubles match, with Lizarazo and Perez-Garcia teaming up to beat Julieta Lara Estable and Riera 5-7 6-2 10-7 amid jubilant scenes.

 

The Colombian team completed a celebratory lap of honour around the court after their victory, as they sealed a Play-off place after defying some huge ranking advantages for the Argentine team.

 

In the other matches played on Saturday, Chile secured a 3-0 victory against Peru to confirm they will remain in Americas Group I.

 

Daniela Seguel won the decision match for Chile, as she beat 21-year-old Romina Ccuno 6-2 6-3, with 17-year-old Antonia Vergara Rivera - who is ranked at No.14 in the ITF Junior world rankings - getting her second win in the Billie Jean King Cup singles with a 6-3 6-0 win against 16-year-old Francesca Maguina Bunikowska in the opening match of the tie.

 

The defeat for Peru cemented their relegation to Americas Group II in 2025.

 

Finally, already relegated Ecuador's fifth suffered a straight defeat of the week, as they were beaten 2-1 by Venezuela.

 

Venezuela's Andrea Gamiz has enjoyed a strong week in Bogota and she won her second singles match in Pool A with a 6-2 6-0 victory against Ecuador teenager Valentina Ponce Serrano.

 

Gamiz then teamed up with 14-year-old Sabrina Balderrama to seal the decisive doubles match, as they beat Serrano and Camila Romero 6-2 7-5.

 

Balderrama made history with her appearance in this week's Americas Group I matches, as she became the youngster player to represent Venezuela in the Billie Jean King Cup.

 

Colombia and Argentina will now look forward to the Play-offs draw, where they will get a chance to continue their journey into next year's Qualifiers.