Russia reach quarter-finals

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:22

Although the hosts had given themselves a lifeline with victory in Saturday’s doubles, Dmitry Tursunov battled back from two sets down to beat Victor Hanescu 4-6 5-7 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the fourth rubber and send the Russians through.

Germany also opened up a 3-1 advantage over neighbours Austria to ensure a safe passage into the last eight for the third year in succession.

Nicolas Kiefer was the hero for the Germans in the fourth rubber, with three breaks helping the world number 33 record a 7-6 (7/3) 6-4 6-4 success over Jurgen Melzer.

Radek Stepanek enjoyed a straight-sets victory over Gilles Simon to steer the Czech Republic through to the quarter-finals at the expense of France.

Stepanek dominated two tie-breaks to see off the world number eight 7-6 (7/2) 6-3 7-6 (7/0) in the first singles match of the day.

Croatia completed a 5-0 whitewash over Chile as Roko Karanusic claimed a 7-5 6-3 win over Guillermo Hormazabal before Ivo Karlovic beat Hans Podlipnik-Castillo 6-3 7-6 (7/4).

Victory for Mario Ancic and Marin Cilic in yesterday’s doubles had already seen the 2005 champions through in Poric.

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