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Muster Charges Refuted, Draw Sends U.S. to Brazil

LONDON -- Brazil made "very good'' security arrangements for last month's Davis Cup tie in Brazil, where Austrian Thomas Muster charged off the court, refused to keep playing and claimed his life was threatened by zealous Brazilian fans.


Those were the findings of the Davis Cup Committee on Monday, which took no action against Brazil and let stand small fines imposed at the time against Muster and his Austrian team.


The Austrians defaulted the tie, advancing the Latin Americans into the top group of the Davis Cup -- the World Group where they will face the United States next year.


"The committee is not planning to take any action against Brazil,'' said Brian Tobin, the president of the International Tennis Federation.


Tobin also said the Austrians didn't have enough proof of their accusations that fans were spitting, cursing and throwing things at Muster and shouting taunts threatening his life.


Tobin said one unruly fan was ejected, and so was another who used his sunglasses as a mirror tying to hamper Muster's vision.


Brazilian fans have been at the center of previous stormy Davis Cup matches, most recently against Germany and Italy in 1992.


The victory for Brazil handed the Latin Americans a place in next year's Davis Cup World Group.


ITF president Brian Tobin shut his eyes and turned away Tuesday when Andre Agassi and his U.S. Davis Cup teammates were drawn to play in Brazil.


Even if they survive their opening challenge, the Americans will still face an uphill struggle to reach the final.


France are in the same half of the draw as are the Czech Republic who sprang a surprise by beating the U.S. in this year's quarter-finals.


Sweden, who will play hosts to France in next month's final, start with a home tie against Switzerland.

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