Three-time winners Sweden won a place in the final of the World Team Cup on Thursday after forging an unassailable 2-0 lead in their Red Group tie against the United States.
Robin Soderling fought back from a set down to defeat world number eight James Blake 5-7, 6-3, 6-0 and former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson beat Bobby Reynolds 6-3 2-6 6-3 to dash U.S. hopes of a fifth title.
In the Blue Group, where all four nations still have a chance of making Saturday's final, Igor Andreev beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-3 to give Russia [Images] a 1-0 advantage ahead of Friday's remaining singles and doubles rubbers.
Spain were also 1-0 ahead against Italy [Images] after world number five David Ferrer defeated Potito Starace 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
The eight nations competing are divided into two groups of four. Each tie consists of two singles matches and a doubles match, which under a new format are played over two days. The winner of each group will meet in Saturday's final.
© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
|
Advertisement
Email this Article 
Print this Article