Heather Watson and Johanna Konta beaten in Fed Cup as Great Britain's run ends

Britain's hopes of a place in the Fed Cup World Group II play-offs are over after a pair of heavy defeats against Belarus.

Johanna Konta was thrashed 6-0 6-1 by Olga Govortsova and Heather Watson fared little better as she was defeated 6-4 6-1 by former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka.

Konta was never allowed to get into a rhythm by Govortsova, who has slumped to 156th in the world rankings, 11 places below her British opponent.

But she showed more of the form that took her to No 35 in the world six years ago and cruised to victory in a game Britain had targeted as vital, given the tough task Watson was facing.

Azarenka broke the British No 1 early, but Watson stuck to her task and broke back, only to drop her serve and allow the dual Australian Open champion to take the opening set.

And the second proved more of a one-sided affair, meaning Britain will be back in Europe/Africa Zone Group 1 action again next year.

Coach Judy Murray admitted it was a sad way to end the competition, especially having come a day after a 3-0 whitewash of Ukraine.

"It was very disappointing for us after such a good day yesterday and everyone played so well with huge team spirit and desire to get into the play-off," she told www.lta.org.uk.

"Today just didn't happen for us. It is all over for us for another year and we have 12 months to try and help the girls improve and get ready to come back and challenge for this zone again."