No cold feet in Russia

The absence of Davydenko and his own good form makes Somdev Devvarman confident of Indias Davis Cup chances.

From their dominant position as favourites for the World Group tie against India just weeks ago,the probability of the Russian team giving their visiting opponents a merciless mauling is getting somewhat whittled down as the Davis Cup clash approaches. With Nikolay Davydenko reportedly pulling out with a sore wrist,and the confidence of Somdev Devvarman changing the equations slightly before the teams begin battle on the slow clay at the Luzhniki Indoor stadium in Moscow,there certainly arent going to be any free points given away.

Though Russian captain Shamil Tarpishchev believes even a side without Davydenko is enough for the win,Devvarman says Indias chances just got better. Theyre definitely the favourites,but I think Rohan (Bopanna) and I have the game to pull off an upset. Were banking on the doubles point on Saturday,so I think we do have a chance to pull it off, says Devvarman from Moscow.

Ive been practising here for a few days so Im already feeling quite comfortable. Plus were playing indoors at a nice facility where its pretty warm so the cold is not an issue.

The 25-year-old has a few commendable results under his belt from the Dubai ATP event qualifying and beating world No.52 Marco Chiudinelli before falling to Marcos Baghdatis in a three-setter and adds that its one of the best runs hes had before a Davis Cup tie. Its up there,for sure. Ive had a decent year so far and I hope it continues. Ive been playing quite well lately and Im hoping I take that in with me for the tie as well. Against Baghdatis,I played well during the first two sets but served bad in the third,and when you miss break points in such matches its always going to hurt you, he says.

And now that Davydenkos pulled out,our chances have definitely improved. I feel good about my game right now,and quite confident.

Russias Mikhail Youzhny,too,is showing no signs of the injury issues that have held him back the last few weeks,and with his three-set loss to Novak Djokovic in the final last week in Dubai,has put himself up as the player to beat in this Cup tie. Ive watched him play a few times,and in the last six months hes had some pretty good results. Hes now top 15 and playing some of the best tennis of his life. Well have to play really well to beat him, says Devvarman of his one-time practice partner.

A World Group fixture has been missing from the Indian teams itinerary since 1998,and this will be Devvarmans first,but he says it doesnt feel any different. It feels about the same as any other tie right now. Whenever I step on court Im going to give 100 per cent so I know thats not going to change.

Tie in Chile delayed

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SANTIAGO: The Davis Cup tie between Chile and Israel in Coquimbo was postponed for a day because of the earthquake,and will start on Saturday and finish on Monday.

The arrival of players and officials had been delayed by transportation issues caused by an earthquake and tsunami which has killed about 800 people in Chile. The site for the World Group first-round tie,Enjoy Tennis Center,was unaffected and the local airport was open,the International Tennis Federation said.

The ITF asked for a minutes silence at the start of all eight World Group ties this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile, ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said.