Wayne Montgomery saved his best for last by coming from a set down to lead Bermuda to an incredible 3-2 triumph over Georgia in the Davis Cup World Group II play-off in Cyprus on Saturday.

Montgomery, who was making his debut in the premier international team competition in men’s tennis, defeated Zura Tkemaladze 2-6, 7-6, 6-2, in the decisive singles encounter.

Success over the Georgians at Herodotou Tennis Academy means Bermuda are promoted to World Group II, with Ricky Mallory’s side back in action later in the year to preserve their status.

After losing the first set, the South African-born Montgomery fought back to take the second on the tie-break.

Smelling victory in the third set, the 30-year-old surged to a 5-0 lead and while Tkemaladze tried to fight his way back into the contest, Montgomery held his nerve to secure the win.

“I’m just so happy to get the victory and get the win for Bermuda,” Montgomery said.

“My legs were worn out after I gave it everything. I thought I had a really bad first set, but pulled it back in the second, then went 5-0 up in the third and I thought I had it.

“I started cramping in both legs, couldn’t move the way I wanted to mov and I just hung in there as best I could.

“He had a couple of match points and, to be honest, I almost blew it. It made everyone nervous and a couple of guys on the side had some grey hairs popping out, but then I somehow just got it done at 6-3.”

“Thanks to the doubles of Trey Mallory and Daniel Phillips. They played unreal, probably one of the best doubles matches I’ve seen in a long time, so full credit to them and the rest of the team.”

After losing the first set, the South African-born Montgomery fought back to take the second on the tie-break.

Play resumed on the final day with the overnight score level at 1-1. Phillips and Mallory gave Bermuda a 2-1 lead with victory in the doubles, triumphing 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 against Aleksandre Metreveli and Saba Purtseladze.

Phillips had a chance to clinch it for Bermuda when he took on Purtseladze but the Georgian won 6-4, 7-5 to level the tie.

“Honestly, seeing all the texts, photos and videos from everyone watching back home and the family, it honestly means everything,” Phillips said.

“It’s the biggest feeling ever. Just to be able to represent my country is such an honour and a privilege, I don’t take it lightly and I’m just very proud of the team and the effort everyone put in.

“Especially with Wayne’s match towards the end, me bringing out the Bermuda personality. We played the music, got everyone dancing on their feet and just supporting their family, their guy who’s out there competing for them with Bermuda on his back.

“Honestly, that’s what it meant to me. That’s the feeling that I strive for and I look for, is that feeling where it’s just hard to put into words.

“Now that we’re in Group II, we’re aiming for Group I play-offs. It doesn’t sound real because two years ago we were grinding away in Paraguay, but now we’re here working together.

“There’s so much harmony and so much love between everyone. I think that’s a key part and factor in this.

“I’m just going to keep getting better at my school, training on the pro tour this summer and just keep being the best tennis player I can be.”

Mallory was delighted that he and Phillips set the tone by securing the doubles.

“This success just makes me feel like I want it even more,” Mallory said.

“This just makes me want to work even harder to achieve bigger and even better stuff like this.

“Daniel and I have been well in the Davis Cup. We’re still undefeated so we're just keeping up this good momentum that we have.

“Everyone played well on Saturday and Wayne’s such a great addition to have for our team.

“It felt like everyone left it all out in the court and that’s what Bermuda does. It was just lovely to see that.”

Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president Michael Wolfe commended the coaching staff and the players for taking Bermuda to uncharted waters.

“Today is a day that will be etched in the annals of Bermuda sporting history,” Wolfe said.

“To have personally witnessed our team secure a victory of this magnitude over a powerhouse like Georgia in the World Group II play-offs is a feeling that is beyond words at this moment.

“This is more than just a win, it is a major upset that has firmly put Bermuda on the global tennis map.

“I want to personally congratulate our players, Daniel Phillips, Wayne Montgomery, Trey Mallory and Zach McGuire, along with our captain and national tennis director Ricky Mallory Jr.

“The fight, tenacity and the sheer resilience that this team demonstrated throughout the course of this competition is unmatched. No matter how difficult the task looked or how far the end line seemed, our players never blinked.

“By pulling off this victory, not only have we earned the respect of the Georgia tennis team. We have commanded the attention of the entire international tennis community.

“They fought for every point and in so doing fought for the pride of our island. This journey has been years in the making and is not without the support of so many to make it possible.

“I want to thank our sponsors, our donors, families and fans who have backed us through this journey. This is an historic milestone that is as much yours as it is the players.

“As we move forward into World Group II, the challenge only grows steeper. We will certainly need the same level of support once again as we continue to push the boundaries of what Bermuda can achieve on the tennis world stage.”

Lolita Madeiros, the BLTA vice-president, also weighed in on the team’s success.

“As a member of the executive team of the BLTA and my first time attending the senior men’s Davis Cup matches, this has been an awesome event,” she said.

“I was very pleased to have been in attendance to see us in the flesh, basically to move up into World Group II. What an awesome experience, the guys worked so hard to bring this home.

“Big kudos to them for the work they put into this. Bermuda should be very proud of these players.”