OSTRAVA, Czech Republic -- Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek won the doubles for the defending champion Czech Republic to take a 2-1 lead over the Netherlands in the Davis Cup first round on Saturday. Bruce Smith Womens Jersey . The Czechs defeated Robin Haase and Jean-Julien Rojer 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4) in almost four hours on an indoor hard court at CEZ Arena to improve to a 15-1 record in the cup doubles. The Dutch were trailing 2-0 in the fourth set before coming back and saving three break points at 5-5 after Haase double-faulted twice but the home pair converted their second match point in the tiebreaker with Haase sending a volley too long. "It was the toughest game we have played," Berdych said. "It was extremely hard for us. They were excellent." It was the first defeat in the cup doubles for Haase and Rojer following four victories. "We had our chances but our opponents were unbelievable," Stepanek said "We had to fight till the end." The Czechs, seeking their third straight Davis Cup title, are one win away from the quarterfinals while the Dutch must win both reverse singles on Sunday to reach the quarters for the first time since 2005. On Sunday, Berdych plays Haase then Stepanek faces Igor Sijsling. The winner of the best-of-five series will face either Canada or Japan in April. Berdych and Stepanek saved five set points in the 10th game of the opening set before they broke Haase, and Stepanek served the set out. The Dutch pair wasted 10 break opportunities in the set. In the second set, Stepanek failed to hold his serve in the fourth game and Berdych double-faulted to do likewise, allowing the Dutch to race to a commanding 5-1 lead. Haase hit an ace on the first set point. Berdych was broken again in the seventh game of the third set when his forehand volley hit the net but the Dutch let the Czechs come back after wasting three set points and Haase failed to serve the set out in the 10th game. The Dutch still forced a tiebreaker after saving three set points. Haase became furious when the Czechs jumped to 4-1 for no clear reason, hitting the net three times with his racket before the Czechs prevailed 7-2 with Berdychs backhand volley winner. Berdych had to be treated for a back problem when trailing 5-4 in the third set but said it was not serious. Jim Leonhard Womens Jersey . Midfielder Jonathan Osorio, who has missed the past three games due to a hamstring injury, will travel with the tam Friday and play in Dallas on Saturday. Brandon Spikes Jersey . The Roughriders signed Chaz Schilens, a veteran of six NFL seasons with the Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions.PHOENIX -- A person with knowledge of the situation says Eric Chavez has reached an agreement to re-sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 36-year-old third baseman reportedly had been courted by several other teams but decided to return to Arizona on a one-year deal. The person who confirmed the agreement asked not to be identiffied because Chavez has not signed the contract. C.J. Spiller Jersey. The agreement was first reported by cbssports.com. Chavez hit .281 with nine home runs and 44 RBIs in 80 games with Arizona last season. It was his first year in the National League after 13 major league seasons in the AL with Oakland and the New York Yankees. ' ' '
