Korean men's tennis players have advanced to the final 16 World Group at the Davis Cup championship for the first time in 20 years.

Korea clinched a final 16 berth after defeating Slovakia in a playoff match held Sunday night in the Eastern European country, improving to three wins and a loss thanks to the performance of Lee Hyung-taik.

Currently ranked 18th in the world, the nation has made it to the final 16 twice, in 1981 and 1987, losing both times in the first match to New Zealand and France, respectively. Since losing to Italy three-to-two in the '87 relegation playoff, Korea has only been playing at the regional level.

Its first World Group match is in February.