Tennis

Japan promoted after winning Fed Cup playoff

Published Feb. 5, 2011 8:58 a.m. ET

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Japan beat Uzbekistan 3-0 in Saturday's final of the Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Group I playoffs to advance to the World Group II playoffs in April.

Junri Namigata beat Sabina Sharipova 6-4, 7-5 to put Japan ahead, then Ayumi Morita defeated Albina Khabibulina 6-4, 6-1 to secure Japan's victory. The doubles match ended in the fourth game when Uzbekistan's Nigina Abduraimova retired with a shoulder injury.

Japan's victory marked the second year in a row it had moved up a stage.

Meanwhile India were relegated to Asia/Oceania Group II for next year after losing a playoff against Taiwan.

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