Andy Murray defeated Kei Nishikori 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 4-6, 6-3 in an epic clash as defending champion Great Britain downed Japan to reach the Davis Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.
Murray, the world number two, had seemed set for a comfortable afternoon against his sixth-ranked opponent by taking the first two sets against a player he had defeated five times in six previous encounters. But Nishikori battled and even was a break to the good in the deciding set before Murray stormed back for victory in five minutes short of five hours.
Victory gave Britain an unassailable 3-1 lead in the tie and a place in July's quarter-finals. Waiting there will be Novak Djokovic's Serbia or outsiders Kazakhstan.
Other results
Italy 5 Switzerland 0
Poland 2 Argentina 3
France 5 Canada 0
Germany 2 Czech Repulic 3
Australia 1 United States 3
Belgium 2 Croatia 2
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