Israel pushes past Chile in Davis Cup after stunning upset by Sela - Haaretz

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		Israel National Team players tossing Sela in the air after his memorable defeat of Fernando Gonzales Sunday. (Reuters)

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Last update - 21:53 23/09/2007

Israel pushes past Chile in Davis Cup after stunning upset by Sela

By Rami Hipsh, Haaretz Correspondent

Israel's national tennis team achieved a stunning victory Sunday when 105-th ranked Dudi Sela defeated 6th-ranked Chilean Fernando Gonzales in an epic match that stretched 5 hours and propelled Israel into the Davis Cup World Group.

Dudi Sela defeated Gonzalez 4-6, 7-6 (5), 5-7, 7-6 (7), 6-3, lifting Israel past Chile 3-1.

Gonzales, known for being an aggressive warrior on the baseline, was the highest ranked player Sela had ever beaten in his career.

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The match was certainly one of the highlights of Sela's career, defeating one of the top players in the world before a raucous hometown crowd in Ramat Hasharon.

During the second set of the match, the crowd began taunting the Chilean superstar, earning Israel a warning from the judges.

Sela then managed to take the second set after winning a tie-breaker, playing in top form.

Sela and Gonzales battled neck and neck in the third set, which Gonzales won after crushing a serve by Sela. Sela then took the fourth set after winning a tie-breaker.

Sela gained momentum during the fifth set of the match as Gonzales appeared to tire. The crowd, surging in a frenzy of support for Sela, helped push the 22-year-old from Kiryat Shmona past the Chilean with the thunderous forehand to victory.

After the thrilling hometown victory was final, Sela and the rest of the Israeli team celebrated on the court, tossing the hero of the night in the air to the cheers of the Ramat Hasharon crowd.

Soaking up the victory, Sela said "We did something amazing here, we're going to make a statement in the next round."

The match-ups for the world group will be decided Wednesday in London. Israel could face Russia, Argentina, the United States, France, Spain, Sweden, or Germany.

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1.	Stellar sports journalism	22:24	\|	Bob Costas	23/09/07

2.	Congratulation	00:26	\|	Rami	24/09/07

3.	Bravo Israel	01:45	\|	Andres Guajardo	24/09/07

4.	the truth about it	03:24	\|	clickfool	24/09/07

5.	Well done Israel!	10:28	\|	Esteban	24/09/07

6.	Israel Victorious Over Chile In Davis Cup	00:40	\|	James K. Ward	27/09/07

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