Elena Baltacha

Ipswich-based Elena Baltacha helped Great Britain book their place in a World Cup promotion play-off with Austria today, after completing a Fed Cup whitewash.

The Brits defeated Israel 3-0 but Portugal’s earlier victory over Netherlands had already secured their place.

Anne Keothavong enjoyed a 6-2 6-1 win over Julia Glushko and Baltacha confirmed victory with a superb 6-4 6-3 win over the hosts’ world number 37 Shahar Peer.

Laura Robson and Heather Watson wrapped up the match with 6-2 6-1 win over Glushko and Keren Shlomo, completing a third straight win after previous successes over Portugal and Holland.

Baltacha said: “Once I’d won the match point, tears came to my eyes. It was such an amazing evening and one I will remember for a long time.”