Tennis: Russia take 2-0 lead over US, Argentina 1-0 up

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

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.

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."

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 playoffs, 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," world number two Nadal said.

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.

Romania and South Korea were 1-1 in Bucharest after Lee Hyung-taik demolished Victor Crivoi 6-1 6-1 6-0 to level the tie in the second rubber.

Andrei Pavel earlier beat Jun Woong-sun 6-0 6-4 6-3 but suffered a slight shoulder injury to put his participation in Saturday's doubles in doubt.

In other ties, last year's losing finalists Slovakia were 1-0 up against Belgium in Bratislava after Dominik Hrbaty's 2-6 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-2 victory over Kristof Vliegen.

Austria were 2-0 up against Mexico in Portschach, Czech Republic led the Netherlands 2-0 in the Dutch university city of Leiden and Germany and Thailand were 1-1 in Duesseldorf.

Brazil were hosting Sweden in Belo Horizonte.

- REUTERS