Spain takes lead at Davis Cup

Nov 22, 2008 - 8:18 PM MAR DEL PLANTA, Argentina (Ticker) -- Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco downed David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri, 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, in doubles action to give Spain a 2-1 lead over Argentina in the best-of-five Davis Cup final on Saturday.

Spain can claim its fourth Davis Cup title and first since 2004 with a victory in either of Sunday's singles rubbers.

A runner-up in 2006, Argentina will need to sweep the remaining two matches to claim its first title.

Lopez, the hero of Friday's singles for Spain with a come-from-behind win over Juan Martin del Potro to level the tie, was again in inspired.

The first set went with serve until the 11th game, when Argentina capitalized on some nervy serving by Verdasco and forged what proved to be a set-winning advantage.

The second set was an equally tight affair, with no break of serve until the 12th game when Nalbandian slipped up to allow Spain to clinch it 7-5 and move level.

Spain then looked to be moving into another gear when two breaks saw them establish a 5-1 cushion in the third.

Argentina fought back to 6-6 and then to 5-2 up in the tie-break, but it proved to be in vain as the visitors won five straight points to take the set.

Again, Spain looked to have the fourth set sewn up at 5-2 to the good, but again Argentina threatened to get back into it by breaking the Verdasco serve.

It was not enough, however, as the Spanish duo broke back immediately on the Nalbandian serve to end a thrilling encounter.