Montreal's Abanda pulls off upset in Fed Cup battle

Canada's Francoise Abanda celebrates after defeating Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu in their Federal Cup tennis match in Montreal, Saturday, April 18, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Montreal’s Francoise Abanda pulled off a major upset Saturday, beating world-33rd ranked Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania in the battle for a spot in the Fed Cup World Group.

Abanda, ranked 260 in the world, prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in a two hour and 30 minute marathon. Begu, who appeared to have a leg injury, had 59 unforced errors, compared to 53 for Abanda. Begu won 48 percent of her first-serve points, against 63 percent of first-service points won for Abanda, who had five double faults.

Eugenie Bouchard, ranked seventh in the world, was later bounced in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, by underdog Alexandra Dulgheru, as many supporters of the young Romanian made their voices heard against the hometown Bouchard.

A victory would allow the Canadian women to keep their place in the eight best tennis countries.

Romania is playing without their top player, world No. 3 Simona Halep.

Romania is attempting to qualify for the World Group for the first time since 1992. Begu is the team's highest-ranked player (No. 36) ahead of Dulgheru (No. 62), Mitu (No. 107) and Olaru (No. 840).