The Netherlands on Saturday took an unbeatable 3-0 lead over India after the duo of Martin Verkerk and Van Lottum defeated the Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Mahesh Bhupathi 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, 6-4.

The win makes sure the Netherlands remain in the 16-strong World Group, while India stays put in the Asia/Oceania zone Group 1.

The Indian pair started off well as a tired looking Verkerk struggled to get into the match.

But the Dutch pair moved up a gear in the second set to take control of the match roared on by a 5,000-strong crowd.

In both the second and third sets, the Dutch led 6-5 on the Bhupathi serve and on both occasions they took big risks to make the break.

The home team again grabbed the lead in the fourth set and held on to it until they made the vital, final break at 5-4 with a Verkerk volley closing out the rubber in 2 hours 37 minutes.

Agencies