London: Mikhail Youzhny proved Russia’s hero on the first day of their Davis Cup quarter final on Friday, battling to beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet which allowed them to end the day at 1-1.

The defending champions’ day had got off to a shaky start when France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu upset world No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 7-5.

Youzhny and Gasquet fought for four hours 48 minutes before the Russian triumphed 6-2, 6-3, 6-7, 5-7, 8-6.

Former champions Sweden and Germany were 2-0 up against Argentina and Belgium, respectively, while the US also took a 2-0 lead over Spain.

World No. 9 James Blake eased to a comfortable 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over sixth-ranked Tommy Robredo before world No. 3 Andy Roddick charged from 2-5 down in the first set to overwhelm Fernando Verdasco 7-6, 6-1, 6-4.

(REUTERS)