The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, New Delhi

Japan earned some consolation for losing to India in its Davis Cup regional Asian tie by winning both reverse singles Sunday.

India had already won a place in the playoffs for entry to the 2009 World Group by winning both opening singles and Saturday's doubles to take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the tie.

Japan, which only lost the opening singles in five setters, had a measure of satisfaction as Kei Nishikori beat Mahesh Bhupathi 7-5, 6-1 on Sunday, while Satoshi Iwabuchi downed India's captain Leander Paes 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

India could afford the indulgence of playing its two veteran doubles specialists in the singles.

It was Bhupathi's first Davis Cup singles match for seven years, while Paes last represented India in singles two years ago.

India - a four-time runner-up in the Davis Cup - has not been in the World Group since 1988. It will play one of the losers from this year's World Group first round for a place in the 2009 main event.

Japan will remain in Asia/Oceania zone Group One.