David Nalbandian fires his nation into Davis Cup semi-finalsJuly 12, 2010 - 15:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Argentine hero David Nalbandian fired his nation into the Davis Cup semi-finals Sunday to complete a 3-2 defeat of Russia in a World Group quarter-final struggle, DPA reported. The 28-year-old hip surgery victim from 2009, his ranking down past 150, iced the tie with a defeat of Mikhail Youzhny, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 6-3 in the deciding rubber. It was the first time Argentina had defeated Russia in Moscow after two losses in the capital. The match was a must-win after Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko finally came alive in the first of the reverse singles, keeping the hosts in the chase as he beat Eduardo Schwank 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to square the weekend at 2-2. Nalbandian, playing for the first time in three months after post-operative injuries, won his opening rubber Friday and sealed the victory to send the three-time finalist to France in September for the semi-final showdown. Youzhny produced a double-fault to hand over two match points, saving one before crashing a forehand into the net to spell the end. “I won playing great tennis and that makes me happy,” said Nalbandian. “The matches were all tough and I had my doubts about my fitness. Luckily it turned out fine. I got really lucky today.” Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Ucom Celebrates Telecommunication Day May 17 commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union on May 17, 1865. Armenian, Azerbaijani heads of parliament meet in Switzerland President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Border residents overnight on highway to protest Armenia’s Residents of Kirants continue to express outrage over the government’s decision to cede land to Azerbaijan. Get Started: An educational platform for young startuppers The Get Started program which operates in two phases is an important platform for young startuppers. |