Post by sirius on Sept 24, 2004 16:22:18 GMT 3
from DC page
Andreev Takes First Blood for Hosts
Heavy favourites Russia took an early 1-0 lead over Thailand in their Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie after Igor Andreev crushed Paradorn Srichaphan 75 62 64 in the opening singles rubber on Friday.
Srichaphan drew the first blood breaking Andreev in the fourth game and was serving for the set at 5-3, but Russian fought back to get level on serve before going on a roll to claim the next four games. Srichaphan, urged on by a small but vocal Thai crowd at Luzhniki Sports Palace, was able to save three set points in the 12th game, but Andreev clinched the opening set 75 on his fourth opportunity.
"I think breaking him back in the ninth game was the key to the whole match," said Andreev, playing only his third Davis Cup match. I was a bit nervous at the start but then was able to calm down and that break help me to turn the match around."
Andreev handsomely paid back his captain Shamil Tarpischev, who preferred the 21-year-old over 2002 Davis Cup hero Mikhail Youzhny, by playing solid baseline tennis. The Muscovite broke Srichaphan twice in the second set to take a two-set lead as he kept up the pressure on the Thai number one.
In the final set, Srichaphan saved five break points in the third game to stay alive but Andreev finally secured a decisive break in the ninth game with a powerful forehand to wrap up the match in just over two hours.
"As I said yesterday I'm in good form and playing well at the moment," Andreev said after the match, adding that he was expecting a tougher resistance from his opponent. "He tried to vary his game a bit but I don't think he posed me any real trouble. I'd say it was a good workout for me," the Russian added calmly.
Former world number one Marat Safin was playing Thailand number two Danai Udomchoke in the second singles rubber later on Friday.
Andreev Takes First Blood for Hosts
Heavy favourites Russia took an early 1-0 lead over Thailand in their Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie after Igor Andreev crushed Paradorn Srichaphan 75 62 64 in the opening singles rubber on Friday.
Srichaphan drew the first blood breaking Andreev in the fourth game and was serving for the set at 5-3, but Russian fought back to get level on serve before going on a roll to claim the next four games. Srichaphan, urged on by a small but vocal Thai crowd at Luzhniki Sports Palace, was able to save three set points in the 12th game, but Andreev clinched the opening set 75 on his fourth opportunity.
"I think breaking him back in the ninth game was the key to the whole match," said Andreev, playing only his third Davis Cup match. I was a bit nervous at the start but then was able to calm down and that break help me to turn the match around."
Andreev handsomely paid back his captain Shamil Tarpischev, who preferred the 21-year-old over 2002 Davis Cup hero Mikhail Youzhny, by playing solid baseline tennis. The Muscovite broke Srichaphan twice in the second set to take a two-set lead as he kept up the pressure on the Thai number one.
In the final set, Srichaphan saved five break points in the third game to stay alive but Andreev finally secured a decisive break in the ninth game with a powerful forehand to wrap up the match in just over two hours.
"As I said yesterday I'm in good form and playing well at the moment," Andreev said after the match, adding that he was expecting a tougher resistance from his opponent. "He tried to vary his game a bit but I don't think he posed me any real trouble. I'd say it was a good workout for me," the Russian added calmly.
Former world number one Marat Safin was playing Thailand number two Danai Udomchoke in the second singles rubber later on Friday.
. But have fun at the party, maybe this will cheer you up a bit 
*sigh* 
(the black outfit is back)
. but fingers crossed!
