Britain avoid Fed Cup relegation

Anne Keothavong got the team off to a great start with a 6-1 7-6 (7-1) victory over Ana-Caterina Nogueira.

Keothavong, convincing in the first set, saved a set point at 4-5 in the second to take the set to a tie-break.

In the second rubber, British number one Katie O'Brien ensured Britain avoided relegation by beating Magali De Lattre 6-4 6-2 in the Budapest match.

Britain were facing a relegation play-off after narrowly losing their three previous ties against Denmark, Switzerland and Hungary by two rubbers.

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Captain Nigel Sears believes the team can build on their battling performances in Hungary.

"We needed to survive as going down to Group Two would have been a disaster," he said.

"I feel that the girls performed well throughout the week and we will get straight back to work on strengthening the team for next year.

"I feel encouraged that the players have improved and I will expect things to accelerate next year."

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