Czechs, Argentina in World Team Cup final

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May 26, 2007 09:01 IST

The Czech Republic sealed a place in the final of the World Team Cup with a 3-0 victory over holders Germany on the last day of group action on Friday.

The Czechs, who will now face Argentina in Saturday's final, took the first point when Tomas Berdych continued his French Open preparation with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over German number one Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Jan Hajek then made certain of extending his side's unbeaten run in the Blue Group this week by seeing off Florian Mayer in a tougher 7-6, 6-2 victory.

Hajek came from 3-5 down in the first set to take it 7-4 on the tie-break and was also a break behind in the second before Mayer lost his way.

"I've no idea what happened out there," said Mayer about losing the first set from such a strong position. "It's a real shame for the team because we definitely had a chance."

Berdych also played the closing doubles, partnering Martin Damm to a 6-4, 6-4 win over Michael Kohlmann and Benjamin Becker.

"It's been a great week before Paris and it's fantastic to be in the final," said Berdych, who is the 10th seed at Roland Garros

The result meant Spain's 3-0 win over Belgium was only good enough to give them second place in the group.

David Ferrer beat Olivier Rochus 6-3, 6-4, Nicolas Almagro saw off Kristof Vliegen 6-2, 6-1 and Ferrer returned to combine with Bartolomeu Salva-Vidal and beat Rochus and Vliegen 6-3, 3-6, 10-8 in the doubles.

Czech Republic will be appearing in their fourth final after defeats by Switzerland in 1996, Germany in 1998 and Chile in 2003.

Argentina secured their final place when they beat Chile 3-0 on Thursday to finish top of the Red Group.

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