RAFAEL NADAL and Fernando Verdasco had to work harder than expected to give Spain the winning point in Saturday’s doubles match to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead over Denmark in the Davis Cup’s second-tier relegation playoff.

    The Spanish pair overcame unheralded Danish duo Frederik Nielsen and Thomas Kromann 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4.

    Nadal had helped build a 2-0 lead by winning his singles match Friday, his first appearance for Spain in two years. The five-time winners had lost three straight matches without him to slip into the second tier of the competition.

    This win means Spain stays in Group 1 for the Europe-Africa Zone, while Denmark will play Sweden in a second relegation round. “It was important for us to win this tie after losing some in a row,” said Nadal. “It gives us the chance to fight next year to go back to the world group.”

    (SD-Agencies)