Nalbandian beats Davydenko to force Davis Cup decider

MOSCOW, Dec 3 (Reuters) David Nalbandian overpowered Nikolay Davydenko 6-2 6-2 4-6 6-4 in the first reverse singles today to pull Argentina level 2-2 in their Davis Cup final against Russia, setting the stage for a decisive fifth rubber.

The Argentine number one, who crushed former world number one Marat Safin in straight sets on Friday, broke Davydenko twice to take the first set, then repeated the feat in the second, breaking the world number three in the fourth and eighth games to build up a two-set lead.

The Russian finally found a chink in Nalbandian's armour in the ninth game of the third set to break for a 5-4 lead, then saved two break points in the next game to force a fourth set.

It was only a temporary reprieve as Nalbandian earned a decisive break in the 10th game to clinch the match on his second attempt to the wild cheers of several hundred vocal Argentine supporters, including former soccer World Cup-winning captain Diego Maradona.

Safin was scheduled to take on Argentine number two Juan Ignacio Chela in the fifth rubber later on Sunday.

Russia are aiming to win their second Davis Cup title, following their triumph in 2002, while Argentina are chasing their maiden crown.

REUTERS PM RK1900