New Delhi, Apr 12: India stormed into the Davis Cup World Group playoff on Saturday, after crushing the Japanese challenge 3-0 in the Asia Oceania Qualifying group. Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes combined together to beat the Japanese duo of Iwabuchy and Suzuki in the doubles match to give India an unassailable 3-0 lead, making Sunday’s reverse singles inconsequential.

The Indian duo, who were in news recently more for their off-court plays, gelled together to beat the visitors 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Both Bhupathi and Paes clamped the Tri Colour after India entered the World Group stage.

On Friday, Rohan Boppana and Prakash Amritraj gave India 2-0 lead by winning their respective singles matches at RK Khanna Tennis Stadium.

Bopanna, who opened the account for India beating Japanese top-seed Kei Nishikoru 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, admitted that it was a great feeling to come out unscathed from the tough five-setter and give India the lead.

Later, Prakash Amritraj pulled off a thrilling 4-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 8-6 win against Go Soeda on a surface where the Japanese struggled. Amritraj came back after losing the first two sets and saved two match points in the match that lasted nearly four hours to record a victory.