CZECHS UPSET U.S. 2ND TEAM.

Byline: Associated Press 

Turns out the United States needed more than its second or third team to advance in the Davis Cup, after all.

With its best players - including Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi - bowing out in favor of more-lucrative events, the Americans lost 3-2 to the Czech Republic on Sunday when Petr Korda defeated MaliVai Washington in three sets in the decisive match.

In losing in the quarterfinals, the defending Davis Cup champions again are faced with trying to get their best players to participate.

``Right now I can't see how you would work out the schedule,'' said U.S. Tennis Association president Les Snyder, referring to bigger paydays chosen by the likes of Sampras, Agassi, Michael Chang and Jim Courier.

``You either have to get rid of some tournaments or you have to do some other type of configuration that I can't see. This will happen from time to time - the U.S. is unique that it has so many good players.''

Entering Sunday's play on the indoor court, the Czech Republic led 2-1 after a thrilling doubles victory on Saturday before an enthusiastic crowd. But Todd Martin, ranked 17th, came through for the United States in the first reverse singles, defeating Daniel Vacek 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, 6-1 to tie the match 2-2.

Korda, though, won the pivotal first set against Washington, ranked 19th, and went on for a 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 win. And the U.S. was eliminated.

Washington had Korda in trouble in the opening set. He led 5-4 and twice had break point to close out the set. Instead, Korda fought back, forced a tiebreaker and won it 7-5.

``When you win that first set, it changes the whole complexion of the match,'' Washington said. ``If I could have won that first set, it would have been a lot different.''

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PHOTO America's Todd Martin argues with an official duringhis singles match against Daniel Vacek.

Associated Press