TAIPEI, Oct 21: Taiwan defeated New Zealand in the first of two scheduled games on Sunday to secure its place in next year’s Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I competition.

Taiwan’s Huang Liang-chi, ranked 372 in the world, beat Daniel King-Turner 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 in the southern city of Kaohsiung, awarding the Taiwanese team a third point following two wins on Friday.

The victory means Taiwan, who had had a 2-1 lead over Kiwis in the relegation playoff after Saturday’s match, will retain a berth in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group I race of the 2013 Davis Cup.

As the outcome had been decided both teams cut short the fifth game with Artem Sitek of New Zealand leading Yang Tsung-hua 6-1, 7-6 (7-3).—AFP