Global sports

Down 0-2 after losing Friday8217;s singles matches, the Russians substituted Kafelnikov for Andrei Cherkasov. The world8217;s third-ranked tennis player proceeded to dominate play at the Terrado Calderon Club in the southern city of Malaga.

The Russians got help from slip-ups by 13th-ranked Corretja, who failed to hold service in two key stages of the match.

The first came with Spain up 5-4 in the first set and poised to gain momentum when Corretja doubled-faulted twice.

Then in the fourth set, with Russia up 4-5 and two sets to one, Corretja needed to hold serve to keep Spain alive, but could not.

On Friday, rookie Ferrero stunned Kafelnikov by winning 6-2, 6-2, 6-2. Corretja gave Spain the early advantage by defeating Safin 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1.

Germany win reverse

ADELAIDE: Germany fought back when it was all over to win the two dead reverse singles to lose 3-2 to defending champions Australia at Memorial Drive here on Sunday.

Rainer Schuttler, replacing the exhausted David Prinosil, came from a set behind to down Lleyton Hewitt, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 and Michael Kohlmann completed a winning day for Germany by knocking over Wayne Arthurs, 7-5, 7-6 7-5.

Australia will play either Brazil or the Slovak Republic in a home semi-final on grass in Brisbane from July 14-16.

Brazil lead 2-1

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil, urged on by an unruly crowd, won the doubles on Saturday to take a 2-1 lead over Slovakia.

Gustavo Kuerten and Jaime Oncins overcame Karol Hrbaty and Karol Kucera to put Brazil on course for their first semifinal in eight years with a hard-fought 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 win.

Despite some erratic serving, which resulted in six doublefaults, Oncins was the inspiration behind the Brazilian win as he dominated exchanges at the net.

The Slovaks had to cope with all sorts of distractions when they were serving, including mobile phones ringing, whistles, hissing and shouting.

At one stage the resident of a neighbouring block of flats, apparently wanting somebody to open his garage door, hooted his car horn incessantly.

At least two scuffles broke out between beer-drinking fans in the rickety temporary stands erected for the match.

Argentina refuse to resume

SANTIAGO: Argentina8217;s Davis Cup team refused on Saturday to continue a tie against Chile after local fans threw plastic chairs, bottles, fruit and coins on the court when decisions went against the Chilean team on Saturday.

After the trouble broke out, the match between Argentina8217;s Mariano Zabaleta and Chile8217;s Nicolas Massu was suspended with the Argentine leading two sets to one and 3-1 in the fourth.

Chile were leading the tie 1-0 after Marcelo Rios beat Hernan Gumy in four sets.

Results:

Los Angeles: Czech Republic lead USA 2-1. Doubles: Jiri Novak/ David Rikl Cze bt Alex O8217;Brien/ Jared Palmer USA 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil lead Slovakia 2-1 Doubles:

Gustavo Kuerten/ Jaime Oncins Bra bt Karol Kucera/ Dominik Hrbaty Svk 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Malaga: Spain lead Russia 2-1. Doubles: Yevgeny Kafelnikov/ Marat Safin Rus bt Alex Corretja/ Juan Balcells Spa 7-6 7-4, 2-6, 7-6 7-3, 6-4.

Adelaide: Australia lead Germany 3-0. Doubles: Mark Woodforde/ Pat Rafter Aus bt David Prinosil/ Marc-Kevin Goellner Ger 6-3, 6-2, 2-6, 6-7 4-7 10-8.