The New Zealand tennis team has been promoted to the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 for 2011 after beating Thailand 3-2 in the Group II Final in Bangkok last night.
Rubin Statham beat Thailand's Sanchai Ratiwatana in the fifth and deciding singles rubber in straight sets 6-1 6-4 6-3 to seal the victory for New Zealand.
Ratiwatana, a doubles specialist had the difficult task to play the final singles rubber when Thailand number two Weerapat Doakmaiklee was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Earlier in the day, fellow New Zealander Michael Venus went down to Thailand's number one Kittiphong Wachiramanowong 5-7 6-7 2-6.
New Zealand will now play in the Asia/Oceania Group I in 2011.
Next year's draw will be announced this Friday.