While the singles had been shared between Turkey and Belgium, the decision in this meeting had to be decided in the third and final match, in doubles. Sofia Costoulas (WTA D-503) and Magali Kempen (WTA D-71) won after a battle of two hours and 46 minutes against Ayla Aksu (WTA D-301) and Ipek Oz (WTA D-318), 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (9/7).
The two Belgian representatives rejected two match points in the decisive tie-break (5/6 and 6/7) before stringing together three consecutive points to obtain a liberating victory. Earlier in the day, Costoulas (WTA 149) was surpassed by Aksu (WTA 403) in the opening singles, 6-3, 6-1. Hanne Vandewinkel (WTA 125) then put Belgium back in the race by erasing Turkish No.1 Zeynep Sonmez (WTA 113), 6-4, 6-4.
Surprising defeats by Germany during the first day on Friday, the Turks came close to a resounding feat. A victory against Belgium would in fact have sealed the fate of the teams in Group F since only the winner of the group will be able to compete in the World Group qualifications next year. The teams ranked 2nd and 3rd will play regional matches in an attempt to regain a place in the play-offs. Finally, Wim Fissette’s players will have their destiny in their hands when they face the Germans, shaken favorites who are playing at home, on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
