The Israeli duo Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram wrote history for their country as they became the winners of a Grand Slam yesterday, winning the men's doubles at the Australian Open.

They overcame Frenchmen Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra 7-5, 7-6(4) after the eight seeds made their first appearance in a Grand Slam final.

The pair carried their good form into the final, not losing a set on their way to the victory.

Shahar Peer became the first Israeli woman to reach a grand slam final in the women's doubles on Friday but she and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus lost to Ukrainian sisters Kateryna and Alona Bondarenko in the final.