Australia out of Davis Cup as Bjorkman nails Philippoussis

Agencies, Adelaide, Australia

Sweden dumped defending Davis Cup champions Australia out in the first round after Jonas Bjorkman drubbed out-of-sorts Mark Philippoussis in straight sets in the fourth rubber here on Sunday.

The 31-year-old doubles specialist, called in for youngster Robin Soderling after being on court for almost four and a half hours playing doubles the previous day, chopped down Australia's top-ranked player 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 in 1hr 44min for Sweden to claim the tie 4-1.

Australia became the seventh defending champions to be knocked out in the opening round of the following year since the introduction of the current format in 1972.

It was sweet revenge for the Swedes, who were humiliated by the Australians 5-0 in the quarter-finals last season in Malmo and it was Sweden's first Davis Cup victory in Australia in four attempts.

Philippoussis had to win to keep the champions alive to a fifth and deciding rubber where Lleyton Hewitt was to play Thomas Enqvist, but he was nowhere up to the task and dropped his second singles match in straight sets in the Adelaide tie.

Sweden's triumph was a tribute to the canny strategy and selections of skipper Mats Wilander, who went into the tie saying he had the players to upset the champions.

"I'm unbelievably impressed with my team, the players have gelled together nicely," Wilander said.

"It was really special because we were here for a long time, everyone played their part and we had all the luck on our side."

Sweden will now play the United States away in the quarter- finals in April 9-11.

Bjorkman revelled in his belated opportunity to play singles by breaking Philippoussis' serve five times and only having one break point against him in his opening service game.

"I think I proved for many that I'm still playing great tennis, so I'm just enjoying my tennis and life right now," Bjorkman said.

"Davis Cup is such a great event and you're playing for your teammates and your country and you share and be part of that together, I can celebrate with everyone when you win.

"I felt very good out there after yesterday's match and I think sometimes it helps me to have long matches to get more energy."

The 13-year Davis Cup veteran Leander Paes had to reach into the depths of his experience to carry India to a 3-2 victory over New Zealand in their Asia-Oceania Group one tennis tie here Sunday.

Down a set against Cup debutant Simon Rea and with the tie locked 2-2, Paes fought back to reel off three straight sets to take the second reverse singles 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-2.

New Zealand had earlier given themselves a chance to cause a shock result when Mark Nielson won the opening reverse singles 6- 4, 6-3, 6-1 over Vishal Punna to level the tie after the opening singles were shared and India won the doubles.