The hosts come close to a historic victory against the South Americans. On the final day of the group stage, all eyes will be on the Netherlands, Sweden and the clash between Italy and Brazil.
DOHA – Let’s start at the end. With the Qatar-Chile clash that brought Day2 of the FIP World Cup to a close, and Grandstand 1 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, packed to capacity for a head-to-head contest that remained undecided until the very last point. Chile came out on top in Group C, but the hosts came close to a historic upset. The most eagerly anticipated tie of the day opened with a win for brothers Rashed and Mashari Nawaf, fresh from claiming gold at the Asian Games, who defeated Matias Negrete and Daniel Salinas 6-3 6-3. Chile levelled the tie through their number one, Javi Valdes, playing alongside Cristobal Molina (6-3 6-2 against Al Khanji/Khalid Saadon), leaving everything to be decided in the third match, which had the stands on their feet. The other Saadon brother, Mohammed, dominated the first set alongside Hassan Waly (6-2) against Sebastian Muñoz and Angel Torres. The Qatari pair even reached two match points in the second set before the Chileans fought back and went on to close out the match in the third (7-6 6-3). The South Americans therefore drew level with Germany, who lost to Portugal today, with wins for the Deus brothers, Pedro Araujo and Pedro Graça, and young Salvador Simões alongside Antonio Luque. On Wednesday, Germany face Qatar in a decisive match, while Chile will look to take on Portugal.
In Group A, Argentina once again came through in convincing fashion, this time against a spirited Netherlands side buoyed by yesterday’s win over France. The world champions secured a clear victory, with wins for Agustin Tapia and Tino Libaak (6-4 6-2 against Richters/Roper), followed by Franco Stupaczuk and Maxi Arce (6-1 6-3 against Van Opstal/Prins), and Leo Augsburger and Fede Chingotto against Nolten/Van Betuw (6-3 6-4). The Dutch are nevertheless firmly in contention for a quarter-final place, which will be decided in Wednesday’s tie against Australia. France, meanwhile, overcame the Aussies on Tuesday’s Day 2 with a 3-0 victory secured by Thomas Leygue/Timeo Fonteny, Yoan Boronad/Jeremy Robert and Dylan Guichard/Bastien Blanqué. Tomorrow, the Bleus face a blockbuster clash against the Albiceleste.
Spain also enjoyed a comfortable day, consolidating their position at the top of Group B. Mike Yanguas and debutant Javi Leal (6-4 6-3 against Gonzalez/Dehnike), Paquito Navarro and Juan Lebron (6-0 6-2 against Petit/Popovich), and Aimar Goñi and Arturo Coello (6-1 6-3 against Miranda/Rodriguez) secured the 3-0 win over Paraguay. Sweden have now joined Paraguay on three points, thanks to their victory over the United Arab Emirates, with wins for Simon Vasquez/Adam Axelsson, Albin Olsson/Douglas Rutgersson, and Simon/Yitbarek alongside Linus Frost. Tomorrow’s eagerly awaited head-to-head against Paraguay will decide who progresses, with the match scheduled for 18:00, like all men’s ties. It is one of the key fixtures of Day3.
Italy are also still unbeaten, having won both their ties in Group D. The top seeds secured their victory over Mexico in the evening thanks to the decisive point won by Aris Patiniotis and Giulio Graziotti, following the opening win by Alvaro Montiel/Flavio Abbate. Brazil are alongside the Azzurri at the top, having also secured a 3-0 win over the United States through victories for Lucas Bergamini/Diogo Correa, Julio Julianoti/Stefano Palma and Matheus De Avila Simonato/Joao Pedro Flores. On Wednesday, the two teams will meet on Court 6 in the decisive clash for first place in the group.
FIP WORLD CUP – MEN’S DAY 2
2 points awarded to the winning teams, 1 point to the losing teams
Group A
Argentina-Netherlands 3-0
France-Australia 3-0
Standings: Argentina 4, France 3, Netherlands 3, Australia 2
Group B
Spain-Paraguay 3-0
United Arab Emirates-Sweden 0-3
Standings: Spain 4, Sweden 3, Paraguay 3, United Arab Emirates 2
Group C
Portugal-Germany 3-0
Chile-Qatar 2-1
Standings: Portugal 4, Chile 3, Germany 3, Qatar 2
Group D