Chile wins World Team Cup for second straight year

DUESSELDORF, Germany -- Chile defeated Australia 2-1 Saturday to capture the World Team Cup, the first time a country won consecutive titles at the event since the United States in 1984-85.

Chile's Fernando Gonzalez downed Lleyton Hewitt 7-5, 6-2, and Nicolas Massu clinched the title by beating Mark Philippoussis 6-3, 6-1. In doubles, Australia's Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley defeated Adrian Garcia and Nicolas Massu 6-4, 6-4.

Hewitt had won two of his three previous meeting with Gonzalez but lost their only previous match on clay. Neither player faced a break point until the 12th game, but Gonzalez then took the set on his fifth break point.

In the second set, Gonzalez held off break points at 0-0 and 2-4, winning the final four games and the match on Hewitt's double-fault.

"He's the kind of guy who doesn't give you a lot of rhythm out there," Hewitt said. "He's trying to dictate play as much as possible. But I had chances. I felt like I hit the ball pretty well out there today."

Philippoussis had a rough start against Massu, dropping serve in the first and third games. After winning the next two games, Philippoussis received treatment on his right shoulder. Massu went on to break again for the set when Philippoussis sent a forehand wide. In the second set, Massu swept the opening five games.

Chile won $505,000 and Australia $325,000.

AP NEWS
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