PARIS. Apr 3: The big four' made it safely through to , the semifinals of the Davis Cup for the

second year running this weekend — Germany and Russia recovering from first day doubts to slam the door on the Netherlands and South Africa, and the United States and Sweden completing overwhelming 5-0 victories over Austria and Italy, reports AFP.

The United Stales, who had already taken an unbeatable 3-0 lead after winning Saturday's doubles in Palermo, did not let up on Sunday although Andre Agassi, who has been suffering from mild lumbago, opted out of his dead rubber.

Jared Palmer was drafted in as a replacement and the doubles player completed an efficient 6-4. 6-3 win over Renzo Furlan with an ace.

Earlier world number-one Pete Sampras scored a 6-3. I-6. 6-3 victory over Andrea Gaudenzi.

But with nothing to play for. the final day's matches were inevitably an antl-cliniax and ihe Am< ri< an placers anil their

captain Tom Gullikson later called for a change in the rules tn end Ihe playing of 'dead rtiWiers."

Champions Sweden, who will travel to the United States for the September 22-24 showdown for a place in the final, also chalked up a 5-0 win against frustrated Austria in Vaxjo — winning both of the final singles without dropping a set.

Former world number-one Stefan Edberg beat Thomas Muster 6-4. 6-2 while Magnus Larsson scored a 7-6. (7-4). 6-4 win over Gilbert Schaller.

It was the 47th-ranked Schaller's first match in the tie. He was unable to play on Friday after being taken ill with 'flu.

Boris Becker, who crashed to a shock defeat against Paul Haarhuis In Utrecht on Friday, made no mistakes Sunday against Dutch number-one Richard Krajicek. The three times Wimbledon champion

scored a 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 win — his 35th win in 38 Davis Cup singles.

Compatriot Michael Stlch completed the tie by defeating Haarhuis 6-3, 4-6. 6-4 In the final reduced singles for an overall 4-1 match score.

Germany, the 1993 champions. now play Russia away in the second semifinal.

Last year's finalists, who had been level pegging 1-1 after the first day's play against South Africa in Moscow and who won Saturday s doubles, also went through by a 4-1 scoreline.

Big serving Yevgeny Kafelnikov delighted the Russian crowd by beating Wayne. Ferreira 6-4. 7-5. 6-1. His win made the final singles a formality and Alexander Volkov romped to a 6-1. 6-1 win over Marcos Ondrfuska.

The United States and Germany will be looking to avenge their shock 1994 de feats In the next round.