New Zealand has won the Davis Cup World Group II playoff against Jamaica in dramatic fashion, with the tie coming down to the final set in the final rubber.
The two nations went into the second day locked at 1-1 after the opening singles matches on Saturday (Sunday NZ time).
But Finn Reynolds and Ajeet Rai put New Zealand back in front by convincingly winning the doubles 6-1 6-2 against John Chin and Nicolas Gore.
Rai backed up playing doubles by playing singles and stepping in for KP Pannu, lost 6-3 6-4 against Jamaica No 1 Blaise Bicknell.
That meant the tie was locked up at 2-2 going into the final rubber, which was between Jack Loutit and Rowland Phillips.
Phillips won the first set 6-3 and went up a break early in the second, as New Zealand slipped into a perilous position. However, the 20-year-old Kiwi then launched an incredible comeback. He won that set 6-3 and then showed immense mental strength to win the deciding set, also 6-3, against his far more experienced opponent.
The result means New Zealand will play in a World Group II tie in September, while Jamaica are relegated to Group III.
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