PARIS:

The Czech Republic upset the United States 3-2 to advance in second-round qualifiers while Belgium pushed Australia to the brink of elimination on Saturday.

The US-Czech clash at Delray Beach, Florida, came down to a decisive final singles match in which Czech Jakub Mensik defeated American Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-4.

Mensik won the first 12 points of the match, holding twice in the span for a 3-0 lead on the way to a lopsided first-set victory.

They exchanged breaks to start the second set but Mensik broke again on a backhand cross-court volley winner for a 5-4 lead and held with an ace to send the Czechs to the Davis Cup final.

Germany, Argentina, Austria and France also advanced to join defending champions Italy in the eight-team final at Bologna in November.

The Americans, re

See Full Page