ARAG WORLD TEAM CUP

The German team opened their pursuit of a fifth title at the ARAG ATP World Team Championship by defeating first-time qualifiers Belgium in front of a vocal crowd of flag-waving supporters, Sunday at the Rochusclub in Duesseldorf.

Led by Philipp Kohlschreiber, who came into his third appearance at the ARAG ATP World Team Championship ranked a career-high No. 33, the Germans quickly established a 1-0 lead.

Facing off against Olivier Rochus for the second time this year in team competition -- the two met in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in April -- Kohlschreiber succeeded in shaking off a second-set challenge to best the Belgian once again. He completed the 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 victory in 1 hour, 38 minutes.

"Fantastic ambience, great atmosphere and much support by the audience," said Kohlschreiber. "My game had highs and lows, at the end I found my shape of the last few weeks. Rochus didn't have anything to set against. I gladly take up the challenge to play as the number one against the other number one players after Tommy Haas' withdrawal."

Florian Mayer followed his compatriot's example by giving Germany an unassailable advantage going into the doubles match. Mayer, a last-minute addition to the squad after Haas withdrew with a shoulder injury, confidently defeated Kristof Vliegen 6-3, 6-4.

Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Waske completed the clean sweep Sunday as they came back to top Rochus and Steve Darcis in the doubles rubber, 7-6(4), 7-5. Kohlmann and Waske won their fifth straight match at the ARAG ATP World Team Championship, having gone 4-0 as a tandem last year.

"I think we can get far in this event," said Mayer. "Our doubles is almost unbeatable, only the Bryan twins could achieve that. Philipp Kohlschreiber is currently playing incredibly good tennis."

The Germans moved to the top of the Blue Group standings with their victorious effort in the first round robin tie. It also marked their second victory in as many months over the Belgians, whom they defeated 3-2 in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.

Germany is making its 30th appearance at the ARAG ATP World Team Championship and is looking to reach its third consecutive final. They won the title in 2005 and finished as runner-up to Croatia last year.

Team captain Patrik Kühnen said: "I am very, very happy. It was an important win and a great opener. I am particularly happy if every one contributes his part to the success."