Safin puts Russia on right track

TENNIS/Davis Cup: Russia were on course to reach their fourth Davis Cup final after taking a commanding 2-0 lead at home against the US in yesterday's singles.

Marat Safin overpowered Andy Roddick 6-4 6-3 7-6 in the opening rubber on Moscow clay before Mikhail Youzhny beat James Blake 7-5 1-6 6-1 7-5 to put Russia one victory from the final.

Russia, champions in 2002, lost both previous ties against the US, including the 1995 Moscow final on a similar surface. "Hopefully, we can also win the doubles tomorrow and finish the tie in two days," a confident Safin told reporters.

But a defiant Roddick said: "In most tournaments you don't get a second chance, in Davis Cup you do. This isn't over by any means."

Argentina went ahead against Australia in the other semi-final in Buenos Aires when David Nalbandian beat Mark Philippoussis 6-4 6-3 6-3 with Jose Acasuso level at one set each against Lleyton Hewitt in the second singles.

The Argentines, favourites for a third successive win over Australia after upsetting them in Sydney last year and winning 5-0 at home in 2002, are looking to reach only their second final and first since 1981.

Australia, winners 28 times, are bidding to lift the trophy for a third time with Hewitt and Philippoussis as their singles players after the pair tasted success in 1999 and 2003.

In one of eight world group play-offs, Rafael Nadal put Spain level with Italy at 1-1 in Santander by overcoming a determined Andreas Seppi 6-0 6-4 6-3 after Filippo Volandri had surprised world number seven Tommy Robredo 6-3 7-5 6-3.

"After a difficult second set I was in control for the third, and the important thing is I secured the win," said Nadal.

World number one Roger Federer gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead against Serbia in Geneva, beating Janko Tipsarevic 6-3 6-2 6-2. The Serbs hit back for 1-1, however, with Novak Djokovic overcoming Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4 3-6 2-6 7-6 6-4.

Meanwhile, Greg Rusedski and Andy Murray gave Britain a 2-0 lead over Ukraine in their Davis Cup relegation play-off on day one in Odessa. Rusedski, 33, saved a match point on his way to a memorable 1-6 6-3 5-7 6-4 9-7 win over Sergiy Stakhovsky, 20, in the opening rubber. Murray beat fellow teenager Aleksandr Dolgopolov 6-3 6-4 6-2.