Feb. 6, 2000 SportsLine wire reports

LONDON -- Australia were perilously close to becoming only the fifth defending champions to fall at the first hurdle, but Mark Philippoussis, hero of the victory over France in December's final, came good when it counted in a thrilling five-setter that gave the Aussies a 3-2 win over Switzerland.

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Lleyton Hewitt had pulled Australia level by beating Roger Federer 6-2, 3-6, 7-6, 6-1 and Philippoussis, who lost his opening singles to Federer, recovered from conceding the first set to beat George Bastl 6-7, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

France were not so fortunate, though, crashing 4-1 to Brazil in Florianopolis.

Britain's challenge ended when Tim Henman fell to the Czech Republic's Jiri Novak 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 and they must now play Wayne and Byron Black for the honor of remaining in the world group.

The Czech Republic, who won 4-1, will travel to the U.S. in April to fight for a place in the second round.

Spain, which beat Italy 4-1, will host a Russian team who crushed Belgium 4-1 and Brazil are rewarded for their efforts with a home quarterfinal clash against Slovakia after the eastern Europeans beat Austria 3-2.

Germany beat an under-strength Netherlands 4-1 and will play the winner of Australia-Switzerland in the last eight.

The U.S. tie was the most dramatic of the weekend. Coming in to the final day trailing 2-1, world number one Andre Agassi used up every last ounce of energy in beating Byron Black to level matters.

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