China defeated by Argentina in Fed Cup

Paula Ormaechea of Argentina celebrates (top) with her teammates after beating Wang Qiang of China at their Fed Cup tennis tournament in Buenos Aires, April 22, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

BUENOS AIRES - Argentina earned promotion back to the Fed Cup World Cup II following a 6-4, 6-2 victory for Paula Ormaechea against Wang Qiang on Sunday at Parque Roca in the third rubber.

Leading 2-0 after the first day's play, Argentina's No 1 Ormaechea sealed the South Americans' place in the top tier for next year by putting the hosts into an unassailable 3-0 lead. The final score ended 4-1.

The last time Argentina featured in World Group II was in 2010, when the South American team lost to Estonia and Canada.

The Chinese did salvage some pride after Zhou Yimiao beat Florencia Molinero 7-6 (7-1), 2-6, 6-3 in the fourth rubber, but for next season, the Asian nation will have to contest Asia/Oceania Zone Group I.

Wang Qiang of China hits a return to Paula Ormaechea of Argentina at their Fed Cup tennis tournament in Buenos Aires, April 22, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]