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Davydenko to open Davis Cup final Nalbandian brings Argentina level
(1 day later)
Russia's Nikolay Davydenko will take on Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina in the opening rubber of the Davis Cup final in Moscow on Friday. David Nalbandian completed a straight-sets win over Marat Safin to pull Argentina level with Russia at 1-1 in the Davis Cup final in Moscow.
The home side will then pin their hopes on former world number one Marat Safin against David Nalbandian in the second of the opening day's singles matches. The world number eight overpowered Safin 6-4 6-4 6-4, breaking early in the first two sets and then in the seventh game of the third set.
Mikahil Youzhny and Dmitry Tursunov will play Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri in Saturday's doubles. Nikolay Davydenko had given Russia the lead in the tie by beating Juan Ignacio Chela in the opening rubber.
The tie takes place on a fast carpet surface at the Olympic Sports Complex. The world number three claimed a 6-1 6-2 5-7 6-4 victory.
Neither Acasuso nor Calleri would have any chance of beating me on any surface Nikolay Davydenko Davydenko, who had lost his five previous matches against Chela, dominated the first two sets, breaking his opponent twice in the opener and twice more in the second.
Sunday's potentially decisive reverse singles should see Davydenko up against Nalbandian, and Safin taking on Chela. Chela took the third but Davydenko took control in the fourth to win in just over three hours.
Davydenko will be expected to win his opener on current form but he has an 0-5 record against Chela. Mikhail Youzhny and Dmitry Tursunov will play Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri in Saturday's doubles.
"I'm not surprised they put Chela against me because neither Acasuso nor (Jose) Calleri would have any chance of beating me on any surface," said the Russian. class="bodl" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A17820236">606 DEBATE: Your views on all the action in the Davis Cup final
Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev said: "We knew that Chela was one of their options, so it was not totally unexpected." The tie is taking place on the fast carpet surface at the Olympic Sports Complex in Moscow.
Chela said: "I'm very confident and ready to fight tomorrow and win. Davydenko likes to play short points. I like to change rhythm and that's what bothers him."
606 DEBATE: Who will win in Moscow?
Nalbandian, who defeated Safin in the Madrid Masters quarter-finals last month, said: "Marat is a great player but I'm not afraid of him. I beat him the last time we played."
Russia are playing in the Davis Cup final for the first time since beating France to win the 2002 title.Russia are playing in the Davis Cup final for the first time since beating France to win the 2002 title.
Argentina, who lost to the United States in the 1981 final, are making only their second appearance.Argentina, who lost to the United States in the 1981 final, are making only their second appearance.
They will be boosted by support from Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who is expected in Moscow for the final. But they are receiving support from Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who is in Moscow for the final.


Friday (starting 1000 GMT):Nikolay Davydenko (Rus) v Juan Ignacio Chela (Arg)Marat Safin (Rus) v David Nalbandian (Arg) Friday (starting 1000 GMT):Nikolay Davydenko (Rus) bt Juan Ignacio Chela (Arg)Marat Safin (Rus) lost to David Nalbandian (Arg)
Saturday (1100GMT):Mikahil Youzhny/Dmitry Tursunov (Rus) v David Nalbandian/Agustin Calleri (Arg) Saturday (1100GMT):Mikhail Youzhny/Dmitry Tursunov (Rus) v David Nalbandian/Agustin Calleri (Arg)
Sunday (1000 GMT):Nikolay Davydenko (Rus) v David Nalbandian (Arg)Marat Safin (Rus) v Juan Ignacio Chela (Arg)Sunday (1000 GMT):Nikolay Davydenko (Rus) v David Nalbandian (Arg)Marat Safin (Rus) v Juan Ignacio Chela (Arg)