Coetzer presses South Africa's case

Coetzer had too much power and precision

Dimunitive dynamo Amanda Coetzer powered to victory over Australia's Nicole Pratt Tuesday as South Africa pressed on with their bid to retain the Hopman Cup mixed teams tennis title.

Coetzer raced to a straight sets 6-3 7-5 win over Pratt in the women's singles at Burswood Dome in Perth on the fourth day of the event.

Coetzer, 29, ranked 11th in the world, had too much power and precision for her 27-year-old Australian opponent, ranked 55th.

It was Coetzer and Wayne Ferreira who guided South Africa to their Hopman Cup triumph a year ago.

Belgium's 17-year-old Kim Clijsters staged a remarkable fightback to defeat the Slovak Republic's Karina Habsudova in three sets in the women's singles.

After being crushed 0-6 in the opening set, Clijsters won the next two 6-4, 6-1 to give her country an important lead in the key tie.

But Dominik Hrbaty revived the hopes of the Slovak Republic when he defeated Olivier Rochus in the men's singles.

Hrbaty, ranked 17th in the world, beat his 67th ranked opponent 6-3, 6-0 to level the tie at 1-1.

"I played well today and did not make too many mistakes on the baseline," said Hrbaty.

"I placed my serve a bit better as well."