Angry crowd force suspension of Chile-Argentina Davis Cup series

The second singles match in the Davis Cup series between Chile and Argentina was suspended Friday as an angry crowd started tossing coins, fruits and even bottles to the court.

Marcelo Rios had given Chile the first point in the series with a 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 win over Hernan Gumy.

As Argentina's Mariano Zabaleta led Nicolas Massu 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (1), referee Tony Hernandez of the Dominican Republic suspended the play.

"There are no security guarantees to continue to play," Hernandez said as he left the court protected by police shields under a rain of coins and fruits and plastic chairs.

Three police officers and Zabaleta's father reportedly had minor injuries.

Hernandez said a decision will be made later on whether to resume the match later or award the point to Argentina.

The partisan crowd was angered after the referee took four successive points away from Massu in the fourth set because of continued booing and noise by fans.

Rios and some Chileans officials made appeals to fans to calm down at no avail.