France take full advantage of Rafael Nadal's absence to send champions crashing out of Davis Cup

Paris: Defending champions Spain were knocked out of the Davis Cup on Saturday as France claimed an historic victory over the four-time winners in the quarter-finals.

The French achieved their first win over the Spaniards since 1923 after doubles pairing Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau beat Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/5).

That gave the French an unassailable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five rubber in Clermont Ferrand after the hosts won both Friday's singles.

French doubles pair Michael Llodra (top) and Julien Benneteau celebrate their victory against Spain's Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez during their Davis Cup match on Saturday. PIC/AFP Read Next Story Armstron's lawyer rubbishes report of doping probe› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT