JERUSALEM(AP) Israel's Davis Cup team gained an emotional victory over Sweden against a backdrop of anti-Israel protests, and hopes the momentum will carry over to its next match against Russia.
Officials in the Swedish city of Malmo didn't allow spectators at the Israel-Sweden matches, saying they could not guarantee the Israelis' security. Israel has faced protests worldwide since its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which ended in mid-January.
On Saturday, scores of rock-throwing protesters intent on stopping the match clashed with police, who apprehended nearly 100 people and arrested 10 on preliminary charges of rioting and assault.
In a near-empty arena, Israel beat Sweden 3-2 to reach the Davis Cup quarterfinal for the first time since 1987. Harel Levy secured the win by defeating Andreas Vinciguerra 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 8-6 in the final match Sunday.
The triumph was front page news Monday in Israeli newspapers. The headline in Yediot Ahronot read, ``They Defeated the Hatred.''
Oded Yaakov, a former captain of the Israeli Davis Cup team and Levy's coach, said the hostile atmosphere only spurred the Israelis.
The feeling that you are isolated, that everyone outside is protesting against you, definitely gave the team more motivation,'' Yaakov said Monday.I think it is natural. In that situation it makes you want to play harder for your country, for your flag.''
Israeli doubles player Andy Ram also credited the demonstrations outside the arena for pushing the team to victory.
``The protests and the expressions of hate only increased our motivation,'' he told the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot.
Israel will face Russia in the quarterfinals at home in July. The Russians beat Romania 4-1.
Russia is a team of a completely different caliber,'' Yaakov said.Anything is possible.''
Israel has only one player in the top 100 - Dudi Sela, ranked No. 63.
Sela and Levy are expected to play against Russia, and Ram's regular doubles partner, Jonathan Erlich, is likely to return from injury. The pair won last year's Australian Open crown.
Israeli tennis players have been the focal point of international criticism of Israel in the aftermath of the Gaza offensive.
Last month, United Arab Emirates officials denied a visa to Israeli female player Shahar Peer for the Dubai Tennis Classic. A week later, facing international criticism, the UAE allowed Ram into Dubai to play in the men's doubles event.