Tomas Berdych and doubles specialist Leos Friedl propelled the Czech Republic to a first-place tie atop the Red Group, clinching the 2-1 victory over Italy on Tuesday in Duesseldorf to set up an explosive Round Robin clash with home country Germany.�

The Czech duo dominated Davide Sanguinetti and Filippo Volandri in the decisive doubles rubber, steamrolling their opponents to secure the 6-2, 6-1 victory in 47 minutes and place themselves in prime position for Saturday�s final.
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It capped off a perfect day for Berdych, who moved the Czech Republic to an early lead against the wild card Italians with a powerful opening effort to start play.
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Carrying the momentum from his straight-sets upset over World No. 3 David Nalbandian on Monday, the 20-year-old dispatched Italian No. 1 Filippo Volandri in convincing style.
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With intermittent rain interrupting play throughout the early afternoon, Berdych made it a point of converting on the opportunities earned. He went a perfect 4 for 4 on his break chances to close out the 6-1, 6-4 victory.
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But, as he had done on opening day against Germany, Sanguinetti once again stepped for his country. The veteran, who will be calling it a career at the end of the year, improved to a perfect 2-0 in Duesseldorf singles play, toughing out a three-set contest against Robin Vik.
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Vik, who recorded an upset of his own Monday when he defeated Argentine Gaston Gaudio, battled to send the match to a third set. He succeeded in staving off two match points, but ultimately fell to Sanguinetti 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-4.
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The Czech Republic has reached the final on three occasions, most recently in 2003 when they fell to Chile. A victorious tie against Germany on Thursday would earn the contingent a chance to vie for their first title at the ARAG ATP World Team Championship.