Intro:

Two-time defending Davis Cup champions the Czech Republic defeated the Netherlands 3-2 overall in the World Cup Group first round on Sunday. Tomas Berdych guaranteed their safe passage into the next round after beating the Netherlands' Thiemo de Bakker 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 in the first reverse singles match to hand the Czech Republic an unassailable 3-1 lead. Igor Sijsling restored some pride for the Oranje with a 6-3, 6-3 victory against Lukas Rosol in the final reverse singles clash.

Script:

The Czech Republic were leading 2-1 in the World Cup Group first round when Tomas Berdych took on the Netherlands' Thiemo de Bakker in the first reverse singles.

All the world number seven had to do was win so the Czechs would qualify for the quarter-finals and Berdych did just that.

The 28-year-old broke de Bakker early in the opening set, which Berdych won 6-1 after this ace down the middle.

The second set was much the same as the defending Davis Cup champion broke his 25-year-old opponent in the fifth game.

Another ace from Berdych -- this time out-wide -- saw him take the set 6-4.

The six foot five inch Czech then fired his trademark forehand winner to move 5-1 up in the third set.

Berdych then won the final set 6-3 with another forehand winner to guarantee the Czech Republic a quarter-final tie against Japan, which begins on Tuesday.

The final match of the tie was a formality but playing for pride Dutchman Igor Sijsling prevailed over Lukas Rosol 6-3, 6-3.