Photo: Mara ChaplinThe team from Canada
Canada will have a men’s team compete in the BNP Paribas World Team Cup finals for the 26th time in May after a 3-0 win over Colombia in Saturday’s final at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup Americas Qualification event in Pensacola, Florida.
Phillippe Bedard sparked Canada’s victory with a 63 61 win over Manuel Sanchez Quitian in the opening singles rubber and Joel Dembe subsequently ensured another reason for celebrations on his 29th birthday when he defeated Mauricio Vega 64 61 to put the final beyond Colombia’s reach.
Dembe partnered Eric Gilbert to complete Canada’s second victory in a row in the Americas regional qualification event after the duo recorded a 61 64 win over Vega and Sanchez Quitian in the doubles rubber.
Puerto Rico finished third for the second year in a row after beating Guatemala 3-0.
Miguel Lozada faced a tough opening set against Macario Ramas but prevailed 75 62 to give Puerto Rico the advantage before Hector Maldonado ensured the third place finished when he beat Oscar Oliva 61 61. Maldonado and Anthony Seijo wrapped up Puerto Rico’s win after defeating Julio Rueda and Sergio Beteta 61 60.
Canada joins Nigeria and Greece in earning places in World Group 2 at the 2013 BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Antalya, Turkey on 20-26 May after the completion of the three regional qualification events that have taken place since January.
South Africa and Spain ensured places in the Women’s World Group after winning the earlier regional qualification events for Africa and Europe.
BNP Paribas World Team Cup Americas Qualification - Final Positions
1. Canada
2. Colombia
3. Puerto Rico
4. Guatemala
5. El Salvador