Quarter-final match-up

Birmingham, April 5: The United States ended a thrilling British comeback when Jim Courier beat Greg Rusedski 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 1-6, 8-6 in ...

Birmingham, April 5: The United States ended a thrilling British comeback when Jim Courier beat Greg Rusedski 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 1-6, 8-6 in the final singles to seal a 3-2 win last night.

Britain, 2-0 down to the United States after the opening day, pulled back to 2-2 when Tim Henman outfought Todd Martin 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 7-4 in a controversial reverse singles yesterday.

The match hinged on a questionable line call after Martin had broken for a 4-3 lead in the second set and was leading 30-15. Martin8217;s volley was called out at the baseline to the annoyance of the American team.

The US now host Australia, who beat Zimbabwe, in the quarter-finals.

Russia in quarters:

Teenager Marat Safin earned Russia a 3-2 victory over Germany by beating Nicolas Kiefer 7-6 6-4 6-4 in the decisive singles.

Safin8217;s triumph set up a quarter-final tie against Slovakia, who upset holders Sweden 3-2. World number three Yevgeny Kafelnikov had earlier crushed Tommy Haas 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to level the tie at 2-2.

Pioline sinks Netherlands:

French No 1 Cedric Pioline beat Richard Krajicek to stay unbeaten in three matches as France sank The Netherlands today.

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Pioline, who spent nearly five hours on the court along with compatriot Guillaume Raoux yesterday, appeared back at his best form today to tame world number four Krajicek 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 to give France an unbeatable 3-1 lead. In the second reverse singles, youthful Jerome Golmard beat Jan Siemerink 6-4, 7-5 to give the home side a 4-1 win.

Belgium rally:

Teenager Xavier Malisse beat Slava Dosedel 3-6, 6-4, 6-0, 7-6 9-7 to give Belgium a 3-2 victory over Czech Republic.

Belgium8217;s Christophe Van Garsse began the comeback with a 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Bohdan Ulihrach. Belgium advanced to a quarter-final match against Switzerland.