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Friday, May 24
 
Safin struggles through two-set victory

Associated Press

DUESSELDORF, Germany -- Russia earned a berth in the final by routing Britain in the decisive doubles Friday and will face Argentina for the World Team Cup title.

Marat Safin called for medical attention on his back early in the match against Martin Lee, but he was able to continue for a 7-5, 7-5 victory.

That evened the Russia-Britain meeting at 1-1 after Yevgeny Kafelnikov lost 6-2, 7-6 (6) to Tim Henman.

The deciding doubles was won 6-1, 6-0 by Kafelnikov and Safin over Lee and Miles Maclagan, putting Russia into Saturday's final.

"The first four games I couldn't move. Basically, I couldn't run to the right side,'' Safin said of his back problem.

After he got help from the trainer, Safin said, "it started to be better and better and at least I could serve. The problem is nothing special. I'll have pain for the next three or four days, but then it will be OK.''

Safin and Kafelnikov were also on the Russian team that lost the 2000 final to Slovakia.

"To win the doubles was very important for us and I hope were going to win tomorrow because we've been trying for the last three years and couldn't manage it. This time I think we're ready to win,'' he said.

Spain beat Germany 3-0 to improve its record to 2-1, but the loss to Russia earlier in the week cost the Spaniards a trip to the final. Argentina clinched the other four-team group on Wednesday.

Germany was without the injured Tommy Haas and Lars Burgsmuller, and Haas is a doubtful starter at the French Open next week. Doctors have not been able to determine the reason for his shoulder pain, but ordered him not to play again until it is healed.

"My service and backhand are more or less OK, but the pain is simply too strong when I play a forehand,'' Haas said.

"You really have to be 100 percent fit for a Grand Slam tournament such as Paris where matches can last three or four hours. It doesn't work if you go on court and can only play 60 percent.''

Spain won without losing a set, as Albert Costa beat Nicolas Kiefer 6-2, 6-2; Alex Corretja defeated Phillip Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-4; and Corretja and Costa took the doubles 6-3, 6-2 over Karsten Braasch and Kohlschreiber.




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