OSTRAVA, Czech Republic (AP) -The Czech Republic took a 1-0 lead over Belgium in the first round of the Davis Cup after Tomas Berdych defeated Kristof Vliegen 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 Friday.
The 10th-ranked Berdych broke Vliegen to lead 4-2 in the first set before cruising to victory.
Later Friday, Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic next plays Steve Darcis.
In Saturday's doubles, Lukas Dlouhy and Pavel Vizner will face Belgium's Ruben Bemelmans and Olivier Rochus.
Berdych and Darcis will open the reverse singles Sunday, followed by Stepanek against Vliegen.
