Czech Republic win Davis Cup

The Czech Republic won the Davis Cup after Radek Stepanek stunned Spain's Nicolas Almagro in the decisive rubber of the 100th final here on Sunday.

Stepanek, the world number 37, beat 11th-ranked Almagro 6-4, 7-6 (7/0), 3-6, 6-3 in three hours and 52 minutes in a clash of the teams' number-two players on the hardcourt of Prague's O2 Arena.

The Czech Republic lifted their first Davis Cup since gaining independence following a 1993 split with Slovakia. The former Czechoslovakia won the trophy in 1980.

The victory has also handed the Czechs a rare team double after their women lifted the Fed Cup here two weeks ago - a feat last achieved by the United States in 1990.

"It's amazing, we've written history here in our country," a jubilant Stepanek said after the game.

"I cannot describe what I'm feeling right now," added the 33-year-old.

"There are no words to say. Indescribable. This is the best thing that can be," said Tomas Berdych, his teammate.

- aljazeera.com