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Post by emma on Apr 7, 2006 18:47:11 GMT 3
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Apr 7, 2006 18:47:22 GMT 3
SAFIN GIVES RUSSIA EARLY LEAD
Marat Safin quietened a vociferous home crowd in Pau by prevailing in a five-set marathon against Richard Gasquet to put Russia 1-0 ahead in their World Group quarter-final against France.
Safin, who has only recently returned from a seven-month injury lay-off, proved too powerful for Gasquet as he turned on the class in the deciding set to win 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-3 6-7 (1-7) 6-1 in three hours and 40 minutes.
Nikolay Davydenko will look to strengthen Russia's grip on the quarter-final when he takes on Arnaud Clement in the second singles rubber later on Friday.
Safin, 26, has been troubled by a persistent knee injury in recent months but his fitness held out and he was delighted with his display.
"I was happy with the way I played,'' he told Sky Sports. "It was my first five-set match since Wimbledon (last year) but I feel okay.''
The Russian added: "He got confident and it was really tough to break him. I had to wait for his mistakes.
"I was serving first in the fifth set and that put him under extra pressure.''
Safin paid tribute to Gasquet, who matched his opponent in the opening four sets before being outclassed in the fifth.
"He deserves to be in the top 20 and if he continues like that, I'm sure he can make it into the top 10.''
Gasquet said: "He served extremely well and I did all I could to return his serves. In the fifth set, I got tense after losing my serve but he (Safin) is the reason why. He played a great match."
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Apr 7, 2006 18:50:48 GMT 3
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Post by Annie on Apr 7, 2006 18:53:10 GMT 3
Great pics and article, thanks emma and Ily  Kolya is losing 2:4 and playing awfully  |
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Post by emma on Apr 7, 2006 18:55:52 GMT 3
Because you guys have been really nice today..... here's 2 more ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D   |
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Post by avalon on Apr 7, 2006 18:58:41 GMT 3
Thank you Emma! ;D Great photos ;D
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ruth
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Post by ruth on Apr 7, 2006 19:01:11 GMT 3
Stay calm Annie, do you have a Nerve Tonic left?
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Apr 7, 2006 19:02:12 GMT 3
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Post by Annie on Apr 7, 2006 19:02:43 GMT 3
I think I am going to die on my sofa today...why KOlya??? why are you torturing me like that??? and why is the whole bloody team apart from Misha is in the locker room?  ? |
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Apr 7, 2006 19:06:42 GMT 3
6-3 Clemet  This is absolute poor. I though it was supposed to be Marat that is inconsistent not Koyla. I just noticed that, how else do people want to insult Koyla Come on Koyla bring this tie to Russia DAVAI KOYLA in the 2nd set |
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Apr 7, 2006 19:13:38 GMT 3
 Pau  |
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Apr 7, 2006 19:16:17 GMT 3
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Post by avalon on Apr 7, 2006 19:22:07 GMT 3
Thank you safinno1 for they pics. I love the last gesture, always gracious winning or defeat
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noemi
Full Member
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Post by noemi on Apr 7, 2006 19:33:59 GMT 3
Marat and his bun bun  Come on Kolya! |
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ruth
Full Member
Posts: 327
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Post by ruth on Apr 7, 2006 19:53:10 GMT 3
1 set all - Kolya has had his strengthening medicine - has the rest of the team appeared yet?
Maybe marat needs massages etc?
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?
That's my couch 