ARAG WORLD TEAM CUP

For the second year in a row, the Czech Republic will face Germany in the group decider at the ARAG ATP World Team Championship after it moved to the top of the Blue Group standings with a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Wednesday.

Should the Czech Republic defeat the host nation, Friday on Center Court I, the team would advance to the title match for the fourth time. A win also would avenge last year's bitter loss to Germany, when Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Waske prevailed in the Match Tie-break of the decisive doubles match over Tomas Berdych and Leos Friedl.

The Czech Republic appeared to have come into Duesseldorf as underdogs after Radek Stepanek, once ranked as high as World No. 8, suddenly withdrew prior to the start of the tournament. But Jan Hajek, who assumed the No. 2 spot on the roster, stepped up to the challenge as he provided the Czech Republic with the tie-clinching victory on Wednesday.

Hajek, ranked No. 101, defeated Kristof Vliegen 7-6(7), 6-4 in one hour and 33 minutes to give the Czech Republic a 2-0 lead going into the doubles match. The victory marked Hajek's second ATP-level victory of the week -- also of the 2007 season -- and the fourth of his career.

Tomas Berdych effortlessly dismissed Olivier Rochus in 58 minutes to give the Czech Republic the 1-0 lead in the first singles match. Berdych played a perfect service game, winning 95 percent of his first serve points and denying the Belgian any break chances. He fired an ace to close out the victory, 6-3, 6-0.

Rochus returned to the court in doubles action with Steve Darcis, and defeated Berdych and Martin Damm 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 (Match Tie-break).

The Czech Republic is pursuing its first title at the ARAG ATP World Team Championship, and most recently reached the final in 2003 when they fell to Chile.