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Federer-Wawrinka seal tie for Swiss

September 20, 2008 21:13 IST

Olympic doubles champions Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka secured Switzerland a place in the 2009 World Group with a 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-3, 6-3 victory over Belgium's Olivier Rochus and Xavier Malisse in Saturday's doubles rubber in Lausanne.

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Switzerland now have an unassailable 3-0 lead over Belgium in this Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie.

AUSTRIA TAKE LEAD OVER GREAT BRITAIN

Austria edged one step closer to a place in the World Group, taking a 2-1 lead over Great Britain in the Play-off tie after the doubles.

Austria's experienced partnership of Jurgen Melzer and Julian Knowle beat Jamie Murray and Ross Hutchins 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 in just 101 minutes.

There had been much speculation overnight as to whether Andy Murray would team up with brother Jamie, but the US Open finalist had to call in sick.

A slight groin strain was still bothering him and with the reverse singles yet to come, Andy left doubles duty to his brother and Hutchins.

ISRAEL, NETHERLANDS HOLD THE EDGE

Harel Levy and Andy Ram put Israel 2-1 up over Peru in Ramat Hasharon with a comfortable 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mauricio Echazu and Matias Silva in just one hour 28 minutes.

Jesse Huta Galung and Peter Wessels gave Netherlands the lead as they scored a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Korea's Woong-Sun Jun and Hyung-Taik Lee.

The two hour 38 minute win puts Netherlands 2-1 up against Korea.