Czechs down Spain to keep up hope

PERTH, Jan 3 (Reuters) Tomas Berdych and Lucie Safarova threw the Czech Republic a Hopman Cup lifeline today after beating Spain 2-1 in a marathon Group B encounter in Perth.

Safarova claimed a gruelling three-set win over Anabel Medina Garrigues before the 21-year-old Berdych trumped world number seven Tommy Robredo 7-5 6-1 to give the Czechs their first win in the mixed team competition.

Spain recovered to win the mixed doubles rubber 7-5 6-2 in 76 minutes to narrow the margin of defeat in a result that could prove crucial when the group is decided on countback with the double header of matches on Thursday evening.

Berdych, world ranked 13, overpowered Robredo from the back of the court, crucially breaking in the 12th game of the opener before racing into a 5-0 lead in the second and then wrapping up victory in an hour and 18 minutes.

It was the second win of the week for Berdych after his singles win over Rohan Bopanna proved the Czechs' only success in their opening 2-1 defeat to India on Sunday.

Earlier, Safarova gave the Czechs the lead after a compelling three-set win over Medina Garrigues. The world number 42 prevailed 4-6 6-4 6-4 in two hours and 21 minutes in the longest match so far at the Burswood Dome.

''I've lost to her three times in the third set and I really wanted revenge and I am happy I did so well,'' the 19-year-old said in a courtside interview.

Garrigues looked set for her second singles win of the week at 4-2 up in the second but the Czech broke back twice to level the match.

Safarova was also a break down in the third but levelled again before saving two break points on serve at 4-4 and then broke the Spaniard once again to seal the decider.

Spain, who beat Croatia in their first match, must now beat India on Thursday to have a chance of making Friday's final.

REUTERS PM VV1621