Doubles ace Harri Heliovara led underdog Finland to victory over defending Davis Cup title holder Canada 2-1 at the first hurdle on Tuesday as he combined with teammate Otto Virtanen in a stirring doubles victory to clinch the tie.
Heliovaara and Virtanen combined for a 7-5, 6-3 beatdown of Canadians Alexis Galarneau and activist veteran Vasek Pospisil to clinch the title at the Finals in Malaa.
Canada, winner a year ago over Australia in the final at the scaled-down tournament, began the afternoon with a victory by former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic over Patrick Kaukovalta 6-3, 7-5, as Jarkko Nieminen’s Finland side fell behind.
But Virtanen came good at just the right moment, levelling the tie 1-1 with his 6-4, 7-5 success against Gabriel Diallo.
Main photo:-Otto Virtanen celebrates by ATPTour
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