Reuters
December 28

Oleg Ogorodov led Uzbekistan into their first Hopman Cup Saturday, winning his singles and doubles matches to sneak his nation into the final eight-nation field.

Ogorodov dominated the qualifier, beating Paraguay's Ramon Delgado 7-5 6-3 before teaming up with Iroda Tulyaganova to clinch the decisive mixed doubles 6-4 7-6.

Tulyaganova had earlier lost to Rossana Neffa-de Los Rios in the mixed team event at Perth's Burswood Dome.

Ogorodov's heroics enabled Uzbekistan to qualify for the first time and they face a fiery baptism Monday when they clash with a U.S. team boasting women's world number one Serena Williams and James Blake.

This year's Hopman Cup -- the first ITF event of the 2003 calendar -- features both men's and women's world number ones for the first time as Lleyton Hewitt appears for the second-seeded Australian team.

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