Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram gave Israel a 2-1 lead over Japan with a victory in doubles in their Davis Cup World Group playoff tie at Ariake Colosseum on Saturday afternoon.
Playing again in intense heat, the Israeli pair dropped the first set before reeling off the next three to post a 5-7, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Tatsuma Ito and Yuichi Sugita in a contest that featured few extended rallies.
Israel's strong play at the net and Japan service struggles in the final two sets proved to be the difference in the match, in which the visitors faced another significant obstacle.