Israel's Erlich and Ram win men's doubles

Israel's Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram won their first grand slam title with a 7-5 7-6 victory over Frenchmen Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra in the Australian Open men's doubles final yesterday. They became the first Israeli pair to win a grand slam...

Israel's Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram won their first grand slam title with a 7-5 7-6 victory over Frenchmen Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra in the Australian Open men's doubles final yesterday.

They became the first Israeli pair to win a grand slam title.

The match, which followed the women's singles final, was delayed during the first set when a rain downpour over the uncovered Rod Laver Arena made it unplayable with Erlich and Ram leading 4-2.

Tournament staff mopped up the rain with towels and the roof was closed before they returned about 30 minutes later.

Erlich and Ram had a comfortable lead when they restarted but the French Wimbledon champions fought back before the Israelis took the first set.

They had the opportunity to take a 5-3 lead in the second, holding two break points, but the French pair rallied to take a 6-5 lead before Erlich and Ram forced the tiebreak which they won 7-4.

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