Chesnokov capitulates to Hirszon

TENNIS

Sasa Hirszon, ranked 280th in the world, fought back from the brink of defeat to upset the Russian Andrei Chesnokov and clinch a World Team Cup final place for Croatia in Dusseldorf, Germany, yesterday.

A set, 5-1 and 40-15 down, the 22-year-old Croatian surprised Chesnokov and a sell-out crowd by saving four match-points before winning 4-6, 7- 6, 6-2.

Team leader and the world No 4, Goran Ivanisevic, had set the stage for the drama by defeating Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-4, 7-6. Although Croatia and Russia finished their group with identical 2-1 records, Croatia advanced by winning their meeting.

Spain ended a disappointing tournament by claiming their only victory, 2-1, over the Netherlands. Sergi Bruguera, the French Open champion, headed off to Paris on a positive note by beating Richard Krajicek 6-1, 6-4, while Alberto Berasategui overcame Jacco Eltingh 6-4, 6-4.