sport news Great Britain stun Spain to reach Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals for first ... trends now
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The Emirates Arena has witnessed some remarkable tennis in recent years, but perhaps nothing quite as unexpected as Thursday night’s dramatic revival of Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team.
Barely 24 hours after looking sure to go out, they are into the weekend’s semi-finals after pulling off a shock 3-0 victory over Spain that puts them into the last four for the first time in this event since 1981.
GB topped the three-team group by getting the only result to make that possible, beating higher ranked opponents in singles and then sealing the doubles rubber amid emotional celebrations.
Alicia Barnett (R) and Olivia Nicholls won the doubles match that sealed a 3-0 win over Spain
Unheralded debutantes Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls defeated Moldova-born Aliona Bolsova and partner Rebeka Masarova 7-6 6-1 in an impressive display of nerve.
Only in the 12-nation competition via the wildcard given to hosts, they now face Australia in the daytime on Saturday, having looked rank outsiders after their opening defeat against Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
Captain Anne Keothavong, her selections
