Irina-Camelia Begu downs Sebov to give Romania Fed Cup tie versus Canada

CLUJ-NAPOCA, Romania – Irina-Camelia Begu defeated Toronto’s Katherine Sebov 6-2, 6-4 to Romania its World Group II Fed Cup first round tie versus Canada 3-1 on Sunday.

Canada avoided the sweep as Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski and Carol Zhao of Richmond Hill, Ont., defeated Ana Bogdan and Raluca Olaru 4-6, 6-1, 10-6 in doubles.

“We knew it was going to be difficult,” said Canadian team coach Sylvain Bruneau. “At least it was an opportunity for our team to play at a very high level in front of a big crowd.

“This is the kind of experience that will help our young team to grow for future ties.”

Canada must win its playoff tie April 21-22 in order to maintain its place in World Group II for 2019. A loss would relegate the Canadians to Americas Zone Group I for next year.