Kyrgios won 6-3 4-6 6-7 (7-5) 6-1 6-2 against the wily world No.70 who had looked set to inflict more misery on Australia – seven years after relegating the 28-time champions from the World Group.

he crucial victory levelled the tie at 1-1 ahead of Saturday's doubles rubber after David Goffin earlier beat a spirited John Millman.

Kyrgios stormed imperiously through the opening set, sending down eight aces without losing a point in five service games.

The controversial Canberran stirred up the home fans by cupping his ear to them after taking the lead, a move that only seemed to inspire Darcis, who was playing in his 21st tie for his country.

Belgium had drawn first blood when Goffin prevailed over Millman 6-7 (7-4) 6-4 6-3 7-5 in a three-and-a-half hour marathon to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the Palais 12 arena.

The world No.12 has now won 14 of his last 15 Davis Cup singles matches, but he was made to work hard for his victory by the 185th-ranked Queenslander, who was only called into the team by captain Lleyton Hewitt on Thursday.

Millman grabbed the opening set in a tiebreak after battling back from a break down to stun the noisy home crowd.

However, the 28-year-old Millman demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit to break back immediately only to surrender his serve in the next game, before once again levelling the scores at 3-3.

Millman had another break point at 4-3 but was unable to convert. Goffin broke Millman for a 6-5 lead and ultimately served out the match.

However, the 28-year-old Millman demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit to break back immediately only to surrender his serve in the next game, before once again levelling the scores at 3-3.

Millman had another break point at 4-3 but was unable to convert. Goffin broke Millman for a 6-5 lead and ultimately served out the match.