Bermuda's chances of Davis Cup promotion narrowed considerably - but did not entirely evaporate - with a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of hosts Costa Rica yesterday.

The Island's demise in the penultimate round of action has once again removed their fate in the Americas Zone Group Four tournament from their hands.

It means that in today's finale Bermuda must not only triumph over the US Virgin Islands (USVI) but they will require some help from Costa Rica, who now lead the competition.

"We still have a chance but it's in Costa Rica's hands to beat Panama tomorrow (today). We have to beat USVI and hope that Costa Rica defeats Panama which is a real possibility.

"It's the second-best situation. Our destiny is in Costa Rica's hands and they are in first place now," noted Bermuda's coach and captain Steve Bean, summing up the predicament last night.

However, the team's outlook remains positive and they believe they can finish among the top two and secure elevation to Group Three.

"Naturally everybody is a little upset but we still have a lot to play for. It's a do-or-die situation against the USVI. It's going to be close but the boys are saying 'We are ready to take them'.

"Their spirits are still high and I don't see any reason why we can't win. We are very good competitors. It's a situation where we have to bounce back. We can't bury our heads," said the coach candidly.

A critical decision he may have to make today is whether to ask No.2 singles player, Jenson Bascome, to also do duty in the doubles, should Bermuda be in a 1-1 situation after the two singles fixtures. The latter's experience would make him the preferred candidate to partner Ricky Mallory instead of teenager Jovan Whitter.

It's also a possibility that the Island's top seed James Collieson could figure in the doubles as he did in the vital 2-1 win over Panama.

"We'll see what happens after the singles. If we're in a split situation and Costa Rica is beating Panama then I'll have to really think who I am going to play in doubles," acknowledged Bean.

Though their backs are to the wall, the Bermudians have recent history on their side. They have got the better of the USVI on the last two occasions these two countries clashed at this level.

Meanwhile, Bean declared that Bermuda "just did not play well" yesterday and that their fortunes plummeted early on as Bascome succumbed 7-6, 6-1 to David Alvarado in the opening match.

"He had a close first set that he should have won - he had a couple of set points - it was all downhill for us from that stage."

The coach said that Bascome fought back from 3-1 down to be leading 4-3 and was "getting on top" in the first set when his opponent complained of feeling sick. The match was suspended for almost ten minutes and when it resumed the Bermudian had lost his momentum.

"The guy ended up toughing out that first set which went to a tie-breaker. He won it at about 10-8 and then just rolled through the second set."

Collieson was then brushed aside 6-2, 6-2 by Juan-Carlos Gonzalez, whom Bean described as being "just hot".

"James was hitting the ball well but that guy was just on. Everything James threw at him he was able to absorb without any problem."

Diego Alvarado and Felipe Castro completed the home team's rout with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ricky Mallory and Jovan Whitter.

"We were hoping we could win at least one match. It was close all the way and we had our chances," said Bean.

Bermuda, he added, faltered at the same point in both sets - losing serve when deadlocked 4-4 and then allowing the Costa Ricans to serve out the sets.