Somdev wins, India enter Davis Cup world group playoffs

The Indian Davis Cup team entered the World Group playoffs after notching up a historic away triumph over Korea following Somdev Devvarman's win over Yong-Kyu Lim in the reverse singles of the Group I Asia/Oceania second round tie here today.

Somdev prevailed 6-4 5-7 6-3 6-1 in the first reverse singles to make the overall scoreline 3-1 in favour of India, rendering the second reverse singles inconsequential leading to its cancellation.

"Unreal effort by @SomdevD to give us the win against Korea! fightttttt @rohanbopanna , #teamindiaaaaaa.." tweeted Indian team member Sanam Singh.

"Beast Somdev :)," added Rohan Bopanna, who partnered Saketh Myneni in the crucial doubles win yesterday which handed India the advantage.

It was another one of those trademark fighting efforts by Somdev, who had endured a tough contest on the opening day as well.

The India number one's much-admired never-say-die-attitude was once again on display against Korea's numero uno singles player, who wilted after putting up a good show in the first two sets.

Lim had beaten Sanam Singh in the opening singles on day one of the contest but was out-witted today.

India have now improved their overall head-to-head record against Korea to 4-6. The last time the two teams played was in 2013 when the Koreans beat India 4-1 in New Delhi in the absence of top players, who boycotted the tie.

India came into this tie after having blanked Taipei 5-0 while the hosts had got a bye in the first round as one of the top seeds.