Japan has shown their class in a 3-1 win over New Zealand in their Davis Cup World Group One tie in Auckland.
Trailing 2-0 after losing both singles matches on Saturday, New Zealand introduced a glimmer of hope when Ajeet Rai and Finn Reynolds beat Yosuke Watanuki and Takeru Yuzuki 7-5 7-6 (5).
However, the outcome was decided in the first reverse singles match between the countries’ respective No.1 players at The Trusts Arena indoor venue.
World No.96 Sho Shimabukuro then showed his quality, seeing off 500th-ranked Anton Shepp 6-3 6-3.
It completed a dominant weekend for Shimabukuro, who beat James Watt in three sets on the opening day after Shepp had gone down to Rei Sakamoto in straight sets.
Defeat means New Zealand drop into a World Group One playoff against yet-to-be-determined opponents early next year.