Davis Cup by BNP Paribas play-off – Colombia defeats Mexico

ITF Press Release Oct 31, 2011: Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah have achieved the third and decisive point of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Americas Group I Relegation Play-off that is being held in Mexico City after defeating Mexico´s Cesar Ramirez and Santiago Gonzalez 76 (7) 46 64 63 in 3 hours and 24 minutes. This result means that Colombia will compete in Americas Group I next year while Mexico has been relegated to Group II (Colombia defeats Mexico).

The first was very tight and Colombia finally managed to secure it in a long tie break 76(7). The second set started along the same lines but this time the Mexican doubles pair broke Colombia´s serve to neutralize the visitor´s advantage. The Colombians took the lead again by winning the third 64 and secured the victory by winning the fourth with a resounding 63.

Mexico´s defeat sees them relegated and will play in next year´s Americas Group II. The first point was achieved by Santiago Giraldo against Santiago González 64 75(5) 62 and the second came thanks to Alejandro Falla´s victory over Cesar “Tiburon” Ramirez 16 61 61 63.

The first rival for Colombia in 2012 will be Ecuador and the winner will face Brazil in the second round. The draw for 2012 Americas Zone Group II will take place at the ITF in London on Wednesday 2 November at 11:30 GMT

Davis Cup by BNP Paribas is the largest annual international team competition in sport with 130 nations entered in 2011.

The title sponsor is BNP Paribas, the Official Bank of Davis Cup. International sponsors are Turismo Madrid (Official Tourist Destination), HP (Official Technology Sponsor), Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Hugo Boss (Official Men’s Fashion Clothing Sponsor), Adecco (Official HR Partner) and NH Hoteles (Official Hotel). Wilson Sporting Goods (Official Ball) is an international partner.

AMERICAS ZONE GROUP I 2ND ROUND PLAY-OFF

MEXICO 0 – 5 COLOMBIA
Venue: Rafael Osuna Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico (clay – outdoors)

Santiago Giraldo (COL) d. Santiago Giraldo (MEX) 64 76(5) 62

Alejandro Falla (COL) d. Cesar Ramirez (MEX)  16 61 61 63

Robert Farah (COL)/Juan-Sebastián Cabal (COL) d. Santiago Gonzalez (MEX)/Santiago Ramirez (MEX) 76(7) 46 63 64

Cesar Ramirez v Santiago Giraldo

Santiago Gonzalez v Alejandro Falla