Davydenko beats Chela to lift Russia 1-0

Davydenko, the world number three, won in 3hr 05min to record his first ever victory over Ignacio.

Nikolay Davydenko gave Russia the first point of the Davis Cup final tie against Argentina in Moscow on Friday, beating Juan Ignacio Chela by 6-1, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.

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Davydenko, the world number three, won in 3hr 05min to record his first ever victory over the 27-year-old Argentinian, who had won all five of their previous meetings.

"I played very good in the two opening sets," said Davydenko.

"But in the third set I felt myself slightly tired and lost concentration allowing him to come back.

"In the fourth I played well again and was not worried even when Chela broke back. I'm happy to win today and hope I will not have to play on Sunday."

Davydenko started confidently, breaking his rival's serve early to clinch a comfortable 3-0 lead before Chela chalked up his first point in the match.

The 25-year-old Russian increased his advantage with another break in the sixth game to lift himself one set up in 37 minutes.