Japan, China secure Fed Cup World Group berths

Japan and China secured berths in next year's top-tier Fed Cup World Group after dominating their European opponents.

Japan and China secured berths in next year's top-tier Fed Cup World Group on Sunday after dominating their European opponents.

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Aiko Nakamura and Akiko Morigami won their reverse singles matches in straight sets at Tokyo' Ariake Colosseum to give Japan a 4-0 lead over Austria, while China's Li Na ground out a 7-5 7-5 win over Kathrin Woerle of Germany at Beijing International Tennis Centre to give her team an unassailable 3-1 lead.

Germany and Austria now drop to World Group II for the 2006 competition.

Nakamura downed Barbara Schwartz 6-2 7-5 and Morigami rolled over Nikola Hofmanova, 6-2 6-3 to continue the dominant form that gave Japan a commanding 2-0 lead after the opening singles.

Li Na weathered Woerle's powerful serves to claim their match and give China a winning 3-0 lead.

Tatiana Malek then overcame an unsteady start to beat Sun Tiantian 4-6 6-3 6-3 for Germany, which entered the playoff with a 2-0 record against China.

Li cruised past Kristina Barrios 6-3, 6-4 and Zheng Jie beat Woerle 6-4 7-5 in the opening singles to set up the win.

Akiko Morigami and Ai Sugiyama beat their Austrian rivals in straight sets yesterday as Japan took a 2-0 lead in its Fed Cup World Group II Playoff.

Morigami defeated Schwartz 7-6 (3) 6-0, while Ai Sugiyama downed Melania Klaffner 7-5 6-1.