/ 8 January 1998

Hopman Cup final beckons SA

THURSDAY, 12.30PM:

WAYNE FERREIRA and Amanda Coetzer came a step closer to reaching the finals of the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia, on Wednesday.

The third-seeded South Africans defeated Germany 2-1 at Burswood Dome Coetzer and Ferreira trampled Anke Huber and Tommy Haas 6-2 6-2 after the singles honours had been shared.

Huber, who is ranked 14th in the world, beat world number four Coetzer in straight sets in the womens singles.

Ferreira made it all square, however, when he outlasted 19-year-old Haas. Ferreira won 6-4 3-6 6-1, leaving the fate of the tie hanging on the doubles.

South Africa will play second seeded France on Friday. A place in the final is guaranteed if they can beat Cedric Pioline and Mary Pierce.