• Davis Cup

Spain dumped out as holders survive

Tomas Berdych was the hero for his country © Getty Images

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Davis Cup holders Czech Republic edged into the quarter-finals of the competition after Tomas Berdych defeated Stanislas Wawrinka on Sunday, but last year's losing finalists Spain are out.

A day after being involved in an epic doubles contest alongside Lukas Rosol that went to 24-22 in the final set, Berdych returned to face Switzerland's Wawrinka in one-on-one competition - and emerged victorious in a 6-3 6-4 3-6 7-6 win to secure an insurmountable 3-1 lead.

"I played him many times and actually he's not one of the opponents I like to play because he has a dangerous game," Berdych said. "But for myself, I have to say, that was my best match with him and I'm very happy with that."

Wawrinka, in contrast, was emotionally spent following two tough defeats in barely 24 hours.

He said: "It's an important competition because you're playing for your country. I'm really proud to be there and to play on the courts. I was ready for a fifth set, but that's it. For sure it's not easy right now.

"We were really close all weekend but lost 3-1. I'm really sad."

The Czechs will now face Kazakhstan in the last eight in April, after the eastern European country concluded a matching win over Austria.

Andrey Golubev was the hero for Kazakhstan, producing a surprise four-set victory over Jurgen Melzer to dump the Austrians out - as Golubev's country reached the quarter-finals for just the second time in its history.

Spain, however, are out - as Canada moved within one win of the semi-finals for the first time in its history.

Beginning the day 2-1 down, Spanish captain Alex Corretja's roll of the dice in inserting Guillermo Garcia-Lopez for Marcel Granollers did not work, as Milos Raonic demolished the world No. 82 6-3 6-4 6-2 to send the north Americans where they had never been before.

Canada will now face Italy, who also moved into the quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Croatia. Fabio Fognini played the hero in a decisive 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 triumph over Ivan Dodig in the concluding rubber.

France, Serbia and Argentina secured their quarter-final places on Saturday, while the United States claimed the last spot - Sam Querrey sparing John Isner's blushes by beating Thiago Alves in four sets to complete a 3-2 home win over Brazil.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.