PERTH, Jan 8: Marat Safin muscled his way past Jiri Novak 6-7 7-6 6-3 on Thursday to give his Russian side victory in their Hopman Cup tie with the Czech Republic.

Anastasia Myskina had earlier nosed the Russians ahead with a 6-3 7-6 win over the tournament's surprise package Barbora Strycova, before Safin downed Novak. But the 17-year-old Strycova and Novak still had a major part to play at the A$1 million ITF mixed team competition as their 3-6 7-6 11-9 super tiebreak victory in the mixed doubles left Russia needing a clean sweep against the U.S. on Friday.

In later action, Australia lost 2-1 to Slovakia after Alicia Molik quit her singles and decided not to play in the mixed when she had a scare with an old foot injury.

Molik retired leading Daniela Hantuchova 6-3 3-0 when she felt the warning signs. Tournament director Paul McNamee said the player had decided to rest so she would be ready for Saturday's final. However, Lleyton Hewitt continued his winning run this year by beating Karol Kucera 6-2 6-7 6-3. His victory was a third straight win here this week.

Safin's world ranking of 77 - caused by missing the best part of 2003 with a wrist injury - is in no way a reflection of his abilities. The mighty Russian, a former world number one and grand slam champion, belongs in the most rarefied company on the tour.

Whipping his forehand crosscourt for winners and pummelling backhands onto the lines, Safin slowly took command of the contest on Burswood Dome's indoor court. His serve kept Novak guessing throughout and the Russian sealed victory with his 21st and 22nd aces.

Results: