Ireland lose Federation Cup play-off

Ireland lost their promotion playoff against Great Britain at the Federation Cup Europe/Africa Zone group 2 tournament in Malta when Kelly Liggan retired injured from her tie with Anne Keothavong.

In the first singles tie, Britain’s Elena Baltacha beat Yvonne Doyle 6-1 7-5.

But a close second singles with Keothavong, Liggan was in with a good chance of levelling the match.

The score stood at 6-2 3-6 2-2 with the Keothavong 0-15 down on her serve when Liggan went over on the ankle.

While she was taken to hospital to have it checked out, the result gave Britain the match and the promotion slot to group one of the Europe/Africa Zone.