Honours Even

The Davis Cup Final is evenly poised after the first day of action. Russia and Argentina each won their first point of the final thanks to their respective number ones, Nikolay Davydenko and David Nalbandian.

Nikolay Davydenko v Juan Ignacio Chela
The final began with Chela unable to convert break points, while Davydenko took his early chances. Despite a 0-5 record against Chela, Davydenko sailed through the opening two sets. Chela offered some resistance late on and snatched the third set, but never got a foothold in the fourth, as Russia drew first blood with a 6-1, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory. For Davydenko it was job done and a good start for the home nation. For Chela it was a case of being unable to take his opportunities and largely looking lacklustre in comparison to his opponent.

Russia 1 - 0 Argentina

Marat Safin v David Nalbandian
Arguably the marquee match up of the weekend, Safin and Nalbandian had already played two long and tense matches this year at the US Open and Madrid Masters. This encounter was expected to be no different, Nalbandian was under a great deal of pressure with Argentina effectively facing defeat were he to lose. As ever in Davis Cup play Nalbandian rose to the occasion. Producing a masterful display and most likely his best performance of the season, Nalbandian recorded a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win. Safin had words with his captain during the match about the court surface which were not to his liking.

Russia 1 - 1 Argentina

Looking Ahead To Saturday's Doubles
At the time of writing the doubles line up for Saturday is expected to be Youzhny and Tursunov for the Russians, facing Nalbandian and Calleri for the Argentines. History suggests Argentina have the edge for what will be a pivotal doubles encounter that will have a strong bearing on who ends the weekend with smiles on their faces. Nalbandian and Calleri have a collective 13-2 record in Davis Cup doubles, and as a pair are undefeated at 2-0. Youzhny and Tursunov have a collective record of 5-7, and are winless as a pair at 0-2.

Momentum is on the side of Argentina as well as a small but loud contingent of fans courtside. With Nalbandian first up for Argentina on the Sunday reverse singles, Argentina will feel they can close out the tie 3-1. Russia will be hoping to do the same, but more likely of the view that if they can stretch the tie to a decider, Russia will be well set to win the trophy with Safin to play their 5th match and Argentina not having someone of the quality of Nalbandian to face him once more.

Sports Magician will be commenting on the doubles upon completion and looking ahead to Sunday where the Davis Cup Final 2006 will reach a conclusion.