Grigor Dimitrov has helped edge Bulgaria a step closer to the ATP Cup finals after his straight sets win over Radu Albot secured the tie for his country on Sunday.

The world No.20 looked in fine touch, registering a 6-2 6-3 win over the Moldovan.

While it was a cooler day in Sydney following Saturday’s scorching 45C heat, the the winds brought with it bushfire smoke haze and dust which impacted Ken Rosewall Arena despite its new roof

“Obviously I see a little bit more now. It’s definitely not pleasant. But I even noticed it this morning when we went to the court to warm up. The court was a little bit more dustier than it was the previous days,” Dimitrov said.

“Clearly it is what it is. You know, we can control only what we can.”

Earlier, Dimitar Kuzmanov gave Bulgaria the perfect start with a 6-1 7-5 win over Alexander Cozbinov.

Moldova picked up a rubber when Albot teamed with Cozbinov to beat Dimitrov and Alexandar Lazarov 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

The victory leaves the Bulgarians at 2-0 for the competition along with Australia who downed Canada 3-0 in Group F.

Bulgaria will face the David Goffin-led Belgium on Tuesday night, with a win securing the top place in Pool C and a spot in the last eight.

The two best-performed second placed teams from the six groups will join the six winners.

In Perth, the Italy-Norway Group D rubber went down to the wire with the Italians claiming a 2-1 victory in the tie to stay in with a chance of making the finals.

Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini captured the deciding doubles clash 6-3 7-6 (7-3) over Casper Ruud and Viktor Durasovic.

It had come after the countries had split their singles.

Stefano Travaglia eased past Durasovic 6-1 6-1 while Ruud continued his sparkling form with a 6-2 6-2 demolition of world No.12 Fognini.

Ruud had taken down John Isner in Norway’s opening round robin win over USA.

Italy and Norway are both 1-1 in Group D but will be up against it to usurp the strong Russian team for top spot.

Sunday’s night fixtures feature Belgium v Great Britain (Sydney), Germany v Greece (Brisbane) and USA v Russia (Perth).