Bermuda placed themselves in a great position to cement their spot in the Americas Davis Cup group three or even play for promotion to group two by defeating Jamaica 2-1 in Paraguay yesterday.

Steve Bean’s side face Puerto Rico today in their last pool B fixture, with that result to determine what they will be playing for tomorrow, when the action concludes at Club Internacional de Tenis in Asuncion. If they win, they go into a play-off for promotion, and defeat would leave them fighting to remain in group three.

In the pool B encounter against Jamaica, Daniel Phillips got the ball rolling for the Bermudians by showing great determination to triumph 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 over John Chin.

Bermuda suffered a setback in the second singles when Tariq Simons went down 6-2, 6-0 to Blaise Bicknell.

Phillips and Trey Mallory then combined to win the tie in the doubles by defeating Chin and Bicknell 6-4, 6-2.

Bean was pleased with the effort from the players against a Jamaican side that had in the past proven to be tricky opponents for Bermuda.

“I’m sure Jamaica were not anticipating the fight put up by our players,’’ Bean told The Royal Gazette.

“Bermuda came up with a strategy of switching our team around a bit. We allowed Daniel Phillips to play in the second position because we knew it would throw off his opponent, John Chin.

“We knew it was going to be a tough match to win for Tariq Simons against Blaise Bicknell because of where his opponent is ranked.

“We brought Trey Mallory to play with Daniel Phillips in the doubles. What an epic finish to that match; that match had everything in it.

“I think Jamaica underestimated Bermuda and that was a huge victory for us.

“We need to win against Puerto Rico. If we do, we’ll be playing for promotion on Saturday.

“Just imagine that Bermuda playing for promotion to group two where all professionals are playing.

“I’m so proud of our team. Our players have been giving 100 per cent on the court. It’s just a really nice atmosphere to be in and Bermuda should be very proud of these guys.”