US vs RUSSIA - DAVIS CUP

Russia have omitted top player Nikolay Davydenko from Friday's opening singles in the Davis Cup final against the USA.

Dmitry Tursunov will face Andy Roddick in the first match in Oregon, with Mikhail Youzhny playing James Blake.

World number four Davydenko will team up with Igor Andreev on Saturday to take on brothers Bob and Mike Bryan.

"We have four strong players, be it for singles or doubles, so the choice was made for tactical reasons," said Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev.

Despite his high ranking, Davydenko has a dreadful record against Roddick and Blake, having lost all 11 matches against the American pair.

And Davydenko's season has been tainted by an ATP investigation into unusual betting patterns during his unexpected loss to Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina in August.

He has denied any wrongdoing, but in October was fined for not trying hard enough during another defeat in the St Petersburg Open. Earlier this month, the fine was rescinded on appeal.

US team captain Patrick McEnroe said he would not be surprised if the Russians made late changes to their line-ups for Saturday and Sunday.

Russia are the defending champions, having defeated Argentina last year in Moscow.

Last year Tursunov beat Roddick in a five-set thriller to secure Russia's place in the final with a 3-2 win over the USA.

Asked if that epic defeat would provide additional motivation, Roddick said: "I don't need any added hunger."

The United States have won 31 Davis Cup titles but none in the past 12 years.

This weekend's final is taking place on indoor hard courts at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

Friday 30 November - opening singles:
Andy Roddick v Dmitry Tursunov
James Blake v Mikhail Youzhny

Saturday, 1 December - doubles
Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan v Igor Andreev/Nikolay Davydenko

Sunday 2 December - reverse singles: Roddick v Youzhny Blake v Tursunov