Cup and Federation Cup teams.

In Mexico, Bermuda's women yesterday concluded their 1998 Fed Cup experience by suffering their sixth defeat in seven outings, 3-0 to El Salvador in American Zone Group II play.

For Bermuda's men, the end came a day earlier in Bolivia, when a 2-1 loss to Antigua/Barbuda meant relegation to the American Zone Group IV -- almost a year to the day after they were promoted in Group III.

After finishing third of four teams in their division during round-robin play during the week, Bermuda crossed over and met Antigua -- fourth place finishers in the other division -- to determine who stayed up.

The tie came down to the final doubles match, as Ricky Mallory and Donald Evans were beaten 6-3, 6-4 by Phil Williamson and Jerry Williams.

Bermuda got off to an encouraging start when Michael Way, using strong volleys and passing shots, beat Williams 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the opening singles match.

But Antigua drew even in number one singles after James Collieson fell 6-0, 6-3 to Williamson, who is now 15-1 in Davis Cup play.

Yesterday, Bermuda played Puerto Rico -- who were also relegated to Group IV -- to determine seventh and eighth place and again lost 2-1.

Bermuda lost both singles matches, but not without a fight, as Collieson battled Gilberto Rivera for three hours and 44 minutes before falling 7-5, 2-6, 10-8.

Evans was stopped by Luis Haddock 6-3, 7-6, losing the tie-breaker 7-1, in the other singles before he and Mallory defeated Haddock and Edgardo Rivera 6-3, 6-7, 6-1.

In Monterrey, Mexico, Bermuda's defeat yesterday was the second of the weekend following Friday night's win.

Danielle Paynter had the team's sole success as they went down 2-1 to Guatemala on Saturday, but yesterday El Salvador proved too strong in all departments and triumphed 3-0.

Paynter, who earlier in the week suffered a sprained ankle, had a victory over Maria Fernanda-Carilla 7-6, 6-3. But number two singles player Liz Osborne lost 6-0, 6-3 to Karla Lenhoff.

Fernanda-Carilla teamed up with Louisa Lopez to beat Kelly Holland, who had herself been plagued by a heel injury, and Alison Towlson 6-4, 6-2 in the doubles.

Against El Salvador, Bermuda managed to win only two games in their singles matches. Paynter was beaten 6-0, 6-0 by Claudia Castro, while Osborne went down 6-0, 6-2 to Ingrid Gonzales.

Towlson and Paynter fared little better in the doubles, getting sunk 6-0, 6-4 by Gonzales and Argumedo.