Harel Levy beaten in four sets by Sweden's number two Jonas Bjorkman; Dudi Sela beaten in straight by Thomas Johansson 7-6, 6-1, 7-5.
By JEREMY LASTsela 224.88(photo credit: AP)
Israel's World Group Davis Cup tie against Sweden at Ramat Hasharon ended in disappointment on Sunday when Harel Levy was beaten in four sets by Sweden's number two Jonas Bjorkman, giving the Swedes the tie by 3-2.
Earlier in the day Dudi Sela had been unable to counter Thomas Johansson,
leaving the tie drawn at 2-2 and Levy as Israel's only hope.
And the Israel former world number 30 showed his spirit to win the first set
6-0. But he could not keep up the momentum and Bjorkman's experience showed as the Swede took the match 0-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 to win the tie for the
visiting Swedish team.
Israel entered the day 2-1 up following Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich's straight
sets victory over Simon Aspelin and Robert Lindstedt. And the half-full Canada Stadium at the Ramat Hasharon Tennis Center had an electric
atmosphere when Levy won the first set so easily.
But it was not to be and Israel will play in a World Group playoff while Sweden faces Argentina in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.
