JAMAICA defeated Caribbean neighbours Cuba and Panama 3-0 at the 2017 Davis Cup Tennis Group 3 Americas Zone Team competition in La Paz, Bolivia, yesterday.

In their opening match on Monday, Jamaica tagged Cuba 3-0. Johnson defeated Yasier Estrada of Cuba in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, while Phillips brushed aside William Dotantes Sanchez 6-1, 6-1.

The doubles pair of Pagon and Phillips came from a set down to beat Osmel Rivera Granja and Christian Rodriquez, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to win the tie 3-0.

Jamaica recorded their second-straight win when they also defeated Panama 3-0 yesterday. The Jamaicans will face hosts Bolivia tomorrow to decide the first two places in Group ‘A’. Bolivia defeated Cuba 3-0 yesterday to draw level with Jamaica on four points each. By virtue of their win over Panama, Jamaica have booked themselves a place in the semi-finals.

Against Panama, Johnson whipped Alejandro Benitez in straight sets 6-0, 6-2, while Phillips crushed Alejandro Javier Martiz 6-0, 6-0 Phillips and Pagon won the doubles, beating Benitez and Brendon Cockburn 6-0, 6-1 to take the tie 3-0.

Team captain Pagon was elated with yesterday’s victory.

“Johnson set the tone by winning the first match, followed by Phillips, who had another great day of tennis,” said Pagon.

Johnson conceded that Bolivia have the edge due to their comfort at high altitude, though he added that the Jamaicans are well prepared to do their best.

Meanwhile, hosts Bolivia won their first game after beating Panama 3-0 in Group ‘A’, while in Group ‘B’ Costa Rica beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-0, and The Bahamas clipped Honduras 2-1.

Nine countries are contesting the Davis Cup, which is divided into two groups, with the group winners facing the runners-ups in the other group to determine which two nations are promoted to Americas Zone Group 2 in 2017.