Last update - 00:00 14/07/2007
Israel takes surprising 2-0 lead in Fed Cup playoff against Austria
By Rami Hipsch, Haaretz Correspondent and The Associated Press
Israel took a surprising 2-0 lead against Austria on Saturday in the Fed Cup World Group playoff match at the Asko Tenniszentrum in Austria.
Israel's top tennis player Shahar Peer defeated Tamira Paszek, Austria, 6-4, 6-4 while Tzipora Obziler beat Yvonne Meusburger 6-3, 6-1, and the team is only one match short of securing victory in the best of three series.
Israel had hoped to be drawn at home, where it can count on the fanatic support of the crowd at the Ramat Hasharon Tennis Center, but instead it was a draw away and against the team it didn't want to face.
Austria plays on a clay court surface that Israeli players traditionally have trouble playing on and features two players in their prime.
If Israel defeats Austria it will gain promotion to the Fed Cup top tier and host the world's top tennis teams like the U.S. and France at its Ramat Hasharon courts.