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Post by Mrs. Fabregas on Feb 10, 2007 0:57:47 GMT 3
RTR is showing it, delayed.... and read on the Official site, that someone saw it on Makaiko Sports (it's on Sopcast, you have to download that)......
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Post by Patxy on Feb 10, 2007 1:35:56 GMT 3
Reuters 09feb07 Safin leads Russia to 2-0 lead over ChileBy Gideon Long LA SERENA, Chile, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Russia made an impressive start to the defence of their Davis Cup title on Friday by taking a 2-0 lead over Chile in the opening singles rubbers of their world group first-round tie. Former world number one Marat Safin set the Russians on their way with a straight sets victory over Olympic champion Nicolas Massu before Igor Andreev upset world number five Fernando Gonzalez in four sets. The Russians had made the long trip to Chile without two of their top players, and when a third, Dmitry Tursunov, withdrew with an injury on Thursday, Chilean hopes were high. But former U.S. and Australian Open champion Safin subdued a restive 10,000-strong home crowd in this Pacific beach resort with a 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory.The big Russian did not always look comfortable on the slow red clay but kept his nerve on the big points in contrast to his opponent.After losing the first set, the Chilean had four break points in the second but squandered them all, smashing his racket on the ground in frustration after losing the fourth and earning a warning from the umpire. Massu, ranked 42 in the world to Safin's 24, finally broke serve in the final set for a 2-0 lead, but Safin immediately broke back before winning the next five games to round out the match in two hours 13 minutes. Safin said he had expected a tougher challenge from a man who beat him in straight sets in their only ATP encounter, in Rome in 2004. "He didn't take advantage of his opportunities, for example when he had a break point," Safin said. "He didn't take it and then I started to play much better. I took my opportunities. But, yes, I expected a little bit more from Massu."BLAZING SUNIn the second tie, Gonzalez showed signs of the tremendous form which helped him beat Lleyton Hewitt, Rafael Nadal and Tommy Haas en route to last month's Australian Open final, and he took the first set 6-4. But Andreev, ranked 142 places below his opponent, kept his head and produced a series of elegant ground strokes to break serve three times in the second set and level the scores. Playing under a blazing sun tempered by a brisk sea breeze, Andreev raced to a 3-0 lead in the third set and Gonzalez's challenge wilted. When the Russian saved five break points in the second game of the final set it was evident it was not Gonzalez's day and Andreev quickly wrapped up an unexpected but deserved 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-2 victory. "It's obvious I didn't like the surface but the surface is the same for both players and the one who takes best advantage of the difficulties and the conditions is often the one who wins," Gonzalez said. "The situation (for Chile) is pretty difficult but there's nothing to lose. Maybe I'm not in the best physical condition but I'm keen to play." Gonzalez and Massu must now pick themselves up for Saturday's doubles, where they face Teimuraz Gabashvili and untested Igor Kunitsyn, a late replacement for the injured Tursunov. On paper, the Chileans should win that match, but Gonzalez and Massu will then have to play for a third consecutive day in Sunday's reverse singles against a rested Safin and Andreev.© Reuters 2007. All Rights Reserve today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=tennisNews&storyID=2007-02-09T211937Z_01_L09703984_RTRIDST_0_TENNIS-DAVIS-WRAPUP-1.XML&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-C2-NextArticle-2
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Post by davis on Feb 10, 2007 2:04:49 GMT 3
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Marie
Junior Member
Posts: 112
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Post by Marie on Feb 10, 2007 2:39:26 GMT 3
Congratulations to Marat and Igor! Hopefully Russia can seal the deal tomorrow in the doubles.
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Post by sabz on Feb 10, 2007 2:43:26 GMT 3
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Post by realitytvisntreal on Feb 10, 2007 6:24:23 GMT 3
Marat was coming to stand behind Shamil and Igor during the breaks and was giving advice ;D ;D ;D He came to speak to Igor at the end of the second set and I have no idea what he said but IT WORKED!!!! Igor broke to take the set ;D ;D ;D They haven't shown Mitya once...showed everyone BUT him But then again Gabashvili and Kunitsyn weren't there either so might have been training ;D Thank you for the response Annie! I was wondering if anyone has downloaded the matches yet. I am not sure if this is place to look for it but I really want to see Marat winning and Marat coaching BTW, I finally saw a picture of Sasha, though with the sunglasses and cap he looked very inconspicuous.
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Joyce
Junior Member
loving you,marat
Posts: 126
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Post by Joyce on Feb 10, 2007 9:38:04 GMT 3
:-*Marat is so cutie Marat cheering & coaching during Igor's match...
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Post by sonya on Feb 10, 2007 10:36:09 GMT 3
Was about to post that when my comp froze on me! I love that pic,it's my wallpaper now As for the wins:optimists might look ridicilous at times,but no thing is impossible! ;D ;D
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Post by yse on Feb 10, 2007 10:42:24 GMT 3
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by yse on Feb 10, 2007 10:46:22 GMT 3
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Joyce
Junior Member
loving you,marat
Posts: 126
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Post by Joyce on Feb 10, 2007 10:52:02 GMT 3
;D ;D ;DWHO ARE THEY? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by Chachou on Feb 10, 2007 12:22:36 GMT 3
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Post by ginapants on Feb 10, 2007 14:31:50 GMT 3
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Post by luxsword on Feb 10, 2007 18:09:20 GMT 3
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Post by bia2209 on Feb 10, 2007 18:45:09 GMT 3
It's defintely Marat and Igor playing. 4-4 in the first set. Igor serving.
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