Great Britain still have every chance of making a return to the Fed Cup's World Group level after Johanna Konta's victory over Kurumi Nara in Japan.
The British No.1 ensured her country would go into Sunday's rubbers all-square after Heather Watson lost to an in-form Naomi Osaka in the day's opening match.
Great Britain are bidding to return to the Fed Cup's World Group level for the first time since 1993 and come to Japan in good form after sweeping through their Euro/Africa Zonal tie in February.
They face a tough Japan team at the Bourbon Beans Dome in Miki, spearheaded by the powerful Naomi Osaka, fresh from her triumph in Indian Wells last month.
Konta levelled the scoreboard as she overcame Japanese No.2 Nara 6-4, 6-2 and will now look ahead to a crucial clash with Osaka in Sunday's singles.
The match saw both players' service games put under pressure, but Konta broke Nara in the opening game of both sets to give herself the necessary edge.
Earlier, Watson battled valiantly against one of the WTA's most in-form players, but Osaka was too strong and wrapped up a 6-2, 6-3 victory.
Sunday sees a reverse of Saturday's singles before a doubles tie rounds things off. Konta and Watson are joined in Japan by team-mates Gabriella Taylor and Anna Smith.
How to follow the action
Follow Sunday's matches live via BT Sport on television, via the BBC Sport website, or via British Tennis social channels. The action starts at 04:00 BST.
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