Kiefer keeps German hopes alive

DUESSELDORF, MAY 25. Nicolas Kiefer today fought back to defeat Australia's Patrick Rafter to keep alive Germany's hopes of reaching the final of the $ 2.1 million World Team Cup tennis.

Kiefer, who had lost his previous two singles rubbers in Duesseldorf, was crushed in the first set but came back to beat Rafter, 1-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Germany now leads Australia 1-0 in the final Blue Group tie.

Pete Sampras used a rare drop shot to decide a tough 6-3, 3-6, 6- 3 victory over Sebastien Grosjean in a Red Group match at the World Team Cup here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Russia won the group after beating Argentina in the other match-up and will advance to Saturday's final against the Blue Group winner.

The result (Blue Group): Germany leads Australia 1-0 (Nicholas Kiefer bt Patrick Rafter 1-6, 6-2, 6-4).

Thursday's results (Red Group):

U.S bt France 2-1 (Arnaud Clement bt Jan-Michael Gambill 7-6 (7- 2), 6-3; Sebastien Grosjean lost to Pete Sampras 3-6, 6-3, 3-6; Gambill & Andy Roddick bt Clement and Grosjean 6-2, 6-1).

Russia bt Argentina 2-0 (Marat Safin bt Franco Squillari 7-6 (8- 6), 6-4; Yevgeny Kafelnikov bt Mariano Puerta 2-6, 7-5, 6-2).

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Section  : Sport
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