Gonzalez beats Safin to put Russia on the ropes

LA SERENA, Chile, Feb 11 (Reuters) Chile's Fernando Gonzalez beat Marat Safin in straight sets today to leave defending Davis Cup champions Russia needing to win the final match of their first round tie to stay in the competition.

Russia, 2-0 up on Friday and 2-1 up overnight, went into the final day needing just one win to book their place in the second round but Gonzalez displayed the blistering form he showed at last month's Australian Open to beat Safin 6-3 7-5 6-4.

The outcome of the contest now rests today's final singles rubber between Chile's Nicolas Massu, ranked 42 in the world, and Russia's world number 147 Igor Andreev.

Reuters BDP DB2309