Date:04/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/04/stories/2007010413912100.htm

Sport - Tennis

India downs Croatia

IN CONTROL: Sania Mirza had an easy outing against Croatia's Sanja Ancic in the the Hopman Cup match. — Photo: AP

PERTH: India moved to the top of Group `B' with a 2-1 win over Croatia in the Hopman Cup team tennis match on Wednesday. Sania Mirza gave India a 1-0 lead with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Sanja Ancic before Mario Ancic, Sanja's brother, came back to beat India's Rohan Bopanna 7-6(2), 7-6(3).

In the deciding mixed doubles, Mirza and Bopanna beat the Ancics 3-6, 6-3, 10-8.

``I've played in front of big crowds before, and I think that helped me,'' Mirza said of the support from a large number of flag-waving Indian fans at the Burswood Dome.

Meanwhile, singles victories by Lucie Safarova and Tomas Berdych helped give the Czech Republic a 2-1 win over Spain.

In Group A on Thursday, France, 2-0, plays Russia, 1-1, while Australia, 1-1, takes on the United States, 0-2. Australian Nathan Healey will replace Mark Philippoussis, who is out for at least four to six weeks with a knee cartilage injury that requires surgery.

On Thursday, in Group B, the Czech Republic takes on Croatia and India plays Spain. The leading teams in each group — France and India are now favoured — advance to Friday's final.

The results: Group `B': India bt Croatia 2-1 (Sania Mirza bt Sanja Ancic 6-2, 6-3; Mario Ancic bt Rohan Bopanna 7-6(2), 7-6(3); Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna bt Sanja and Mario Ancic 3-6, 6-3, 10-8).

Czech Republic bt Spain 2-1 (Lucie Safarova bt Anabel Medina Garrigues 4-6, 6-4, 6-4; Tomas Berdych bt Tommy Robredo 7-5, 6-1; Safarova & Berdych lost to Anabel Medina & Robredo 5-7, 2-6). — AP