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Rediff.com  » Sports » Johansson puts Sweden in World Group

Johansson puts Sweden in World Group

Last updated on: September 26, 2005 20:13 IST
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Thomas Johansson defeated Prakash Amritraj 6-4 6-3 6-2 in the first reverse singles to give Sweden a 3-1 win against India in the Davis Cup World Group Play off at the R K Khanna Stadium in New Delhi on Monday.

With the win, Sweden have confirmed themselves a place in the World Group tie next year.

The inconsequential second reverse singles was abandoned.

Earlier in the day, Indian duo of Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes defeated Jonas Bjorkman and Simon Aspelin 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in the doubles match to help India win their first rubber against Sweden.

Bjorkman and former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson had given the Swedes a 2-0 overnight lead after claiming three-set victories over Prakash Amritraj and Rohan Bopanna respectively.

The tie spilled into the fourth day after heavy rain washed out the second day's play and delayed resumption on Sunday due to the slippery grass court.

Bjorkman and Aspelin were leading 6-3, 1-3 overnight when bad light halted the match.

Bhupathi and Paes, regular partners on the tour until parting ways four years ago due to personal differences, showed their touch on resumption while Bjorkman suffered a slump in form.

Bjorkman, who lost serve overnight before play was stopped, dished out three double faults and staved off three set points before holding serve and make it 3-5.

The Indian pair kept on top with Paes in particular outstanding at the net to quell Swedish hopes of a comeback. In the fourth set, the Swedes saved four match points on Aspelin's serve.

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Source: REUTERS
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