Safin and Youzhny put Russia in command

MOSCOW, Sep 22 (Reuters) Mikhail Youzhny beat James Blake 7-5 1-6 6-1 7-5 in the second singles to give Russia a commanding 2-0 lead against the United States in their Davis Cup semi-final today.

Youzhny, a 2002 hero for Russia, always had the upper hand against the eighth-ranked American on a slow clay surface at Moscow's Olympic Sports Complex and prevailed after one hour and 44 minutes.

Earlier, Marat Safin overpowered Andy Roddick 6-4 6-3 7-6 to give Russia the lead.

Russia are seeking their first victory over the US in Davis Cup after losing two previous ties, including the 1995 Moscow final on a similar surface.

Safin dominated the American from the start, breaking Roddick's formidable serve four times in the two-hour nine-minute match. The big-hitting Russian also fired 17 aces, 10 more than his opponent.

After taking a two-set lead, Safin came back from 5-2 down in the third-set tiebreaker to win the next five points and seal a deserving victory.

The winners will face either Argentina or Australia, who meet in the other semi-final in Buenos Aires, in the December final.

REUTERS DH PM2046