Brits accept defeat

The British Fed Cup team was brought back down to earth with a bump following the loss of both singles rubbers to Austria in the second of their group clashes.

Confidence was high after their 3-0 whitewash of Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday, but they were unable to follow that up against a strong Austrian line-up.

Anne Keothavong, marking her return to tennis after a six-month absence with a serious knee injury, slipped to a 6-2 6-2 defeat to world number 107 Patricia Mayr in the opening singles.

The 26-year-old was broken twice in the first set and, unable to claw her way back from a 4-0 deficit in the second, provided Mayr and Austria with the perfect start.

Sybille Bammer then ensured an unassailable 2-0 lead with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Elena Baltacha, the current British number one.

Baltacha, ranked 33 places lower than her opponent at 83, managed to break Bammer three times but the experienced Austrian always held the edge.

Great Britain captain Nigel Sears admitted afterwards Austria were deserved winners.

"Naturally I'm disappointed - we were beaten by a better team on the day," he said. "It's a reflection of the strength of the Austrian team that they've won both singles against Belarus and us.

"I think the girls gave it their very best. There's no question that there's a lot more to come from Annie K.

"It's nice to see her playing again; I just feel it was a bit too much to ask from her on the day."