Germany moves up in Dusseldorf

DUSSELDORF, Germany, May 25 (UPI) -- Reigning champion Germany Thursday beat the Czech Republic, 2-1, to advance to the title of ATP World Team Championships at Dusseldorf.

Before a packed native crowd, the Germans clinched their finals berth when the doubles team of Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Waske beat the Czech duo of Tomas Berdych and Leos Friedl, 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 10-5.

Germany, which beat Argentina in last year's final, will play Chile or Croatia on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Argentina beat Italy, 2-1. Argentina went 1-2 in the Red Group, while Italy finished 0-3.

Because of their records, neither country was in title contention.