Martina Hingis yesterday beat Lindsay Davenport, the player who overtook her to become world number one, as Switzerland beat the United States 2-1 in the Hopman Cup.

The 18-year-old Hingis, who lost top spot last October, beat Davenport 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, at the $550,000 mixed teams tournament.

Jan-Michael Gambill levelled the score for the US by beating Hingis's Swiss teammate Ivo Heuberger 6-4, 6-4. But Hingis and Heuberger won the mixed doubles 6-3, 6-3.

Hingis now has an eight-six victory advantage over her 22-year-old American rival in their matches over the past four years.

"There was a lot of pressure on both sides today," Hingis said.

"Lindsay came back strongly after the first set, and I was happy to win the third set."

Hingis added: "I definitely believe I can get back to the number one spot. After all, I have a winning record against her."

The result will not directly affect the women's world standings, but it will give Hingis a psychological edge over Davenport two weeks ahead of the Australian Open, the first major of the year.

Davenport was disappointed, but not dismayed. "There is nothing to be ashamed of," she said. "I hope I will get better again. I felt I was getting more comfortable in the match as it went on. Martina played a great match today."

Switzerland can qualify for Saturday's Hopman Cup final if they beat Sweden today and results from other preliminary group matches go their way.