Gutsy Evans helps Britain down Spain, reach United Cup knockouts

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Britain stormed into the knockout stage of the United Cup mixed team tournament on Sunday as Dan Evans came through a gruelling encounter against Spain s Albert Ramos-Vinolas with a 6-3 1-6 6-3 win that gave his team an unassailable 3-1 lead.

Britain began the day with a 2-0 advantage in the tie thanks in part to Cameron Norrie s win over Rafa Nadal on Saturday, but an ailing Paula Badosa dragged Spain back into contention as she shrugged off leg cramps to beat Harriet Dart 6-7(6) 7-6(4) 6-1.

Evans, who recovered from illness to be part of the $15 million prize money event, then showed his battling qualities to overcome Ramos-Vinolas -- a late replacement for Pablo Carreno Busta -- and help Britain top Group D.

They will now take on the winner of Group C comprising the United States, Czech Republic and Germany in the "city final" at Sydney s Ken Rosewall Arena on Wednesday.

Spain next play Australia, who are without Ajla Tomljanovic after she withdrew from the tournament to recover from a minor knee issue before the Jan. 16-29 Australian Open. Nick Kyrgios also unavailable as he gears up for the major.

Petra Kvitova earlier beat Laura Siegemund 6-4 6-2 for her second straight victory in the tournament as the Czechs secured a 3-0 lead in their tie against Germany.

Oscar Otte earned Germany their first win when he defeated Dalibor Svrcina 7-6(1) 6-2 before Siegemund and Alexander Zverev teamed up for another consolation win over Marie Bouzkova and Jiri Lehecka 6-4 7-6(1).

Oscar Otte earned Germany their first win when he defeated Dalibor Svrcina 7-6(1) 6-2 before Siegemund and Alexander Zverev teamed up for another consolation win over Marie Bouzkova and Jiri Lehecka 6-4 7-6(1).

Bulgaria s Alexandar Lazarov and Isabella Shinikova won the first ever United Cup deciding mixed doubles meeting in Perth, saving a match point to beat Belgium s David Goffin and Elise Mertens for a 3-2 triumph in Group A.

Casper Ruud sealed Norway s only victory in their 4-1 Group E defeat by Brazil, as he downed Thiago Monteiro 6-3 6-2. Poland went 3-1 up over Kazakhstan in Group B, with Hubert Hurkacz and Magda Linette winning their matches in Brisbane.

Croatia ended Argentina s chances of advancing from Perth, going up 3-0 to hand them a second straight Group F loss.

The United Cup is being played in three cities with two group winners from each venue meeting to determine who reaches the last-four stage.

The fourth semi-finalist will be the "city final" runner-up with the best record from their three matches. Sydney will host the final on Jan. 8.