The Brazilian tennis doubles team of Marcos Daniel and Thomaz Bellucci defeated their opponents and will go on to the semifinals of the 2008 Brazil Open.

On the main court, the Brazilians gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about with their straight-set victory.

The duo teamed up for the first time in order to compete in this year's tournament in the Sauipe Coast.

Daniel and Bellucci beat the Spaniard, Nicolas Almargo and the Argentine, Vassallo Arguello by scores of 6-2 and 6-3.

Daniel commented on the team's strengths. He said, "He has a great server and I cause a little confusion on the net with my volley."

Bellucci and Daniel may face another team of Brazilians. They await the result of Andre Sa and Marcelo Melo, who will play Thursday night. "I hope they win and that the semifinals will be full of Brazilians," said Bellucci.

Thursday's victory was the second in a row for the duo. Bellucci and Daniel won their first match in Tuesday's game against Oliver Marach, from Austria, and Martin Garcia, from Argentina.

With a 2-1 deficit in Thursday's second set, Bellucci and Daniel recuperated and closed out the set, winning 6-3. The crowd definitely helped the Brazilians. Towards the end of the game, the Argentine, Arguello, argued with a fan who yelled during the player's serve.

Although the athlete received a warning from the referee, Arguello continued to complain and lost his concentration, leading to the victory of the Brazilians.

(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2008)