Russia's Mikhail Youzhny celebrates his victory over James Blake of the U.S. during their Davis Cup World group semi-final tennis match in Moscow yesterday. - Reuters

LONDON (Reuters)

Russia were on course to reach their fourth Davis Cup final after taking a commanding 2-0 lead at home against the United States in yesterday's singles.

Argentina went ahead against Australia in the other semi-final in Buenos Aires when David Nalbandian beat Mark Philippoussis 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.

Jose Acasuso was poised to win the second rubber against former world number one Lleyton Hewitt when the match was suspended until Saturday due to rain with the Argentine leading 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 and 4-0 in the fifth set.

Marat Safin overpowered Andy Roddick 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 in the opening rubber on Moscow clay before Mikhail Youzhny beat James Blake 7-5, 1-6, 6-1, 7-5 to put Russia one victory from the final.

Russia, champions in 2002, lost both previous ties against the U.S., including the 1995 Moscow final on a similar surface.

"Hopefully, we can also win the doubles tomorrow and finish the tie in two days," a confident Safin told reporters.

But a defiant Roddick said: "In most tournaments you don't get a second chance, in Davis Cup you do. This isn't over by any means."

The Argentines, favourites for a third successive win over Australia after upsetting them in Sydney last year and winning 5-0 at home in 2002, are looking to reach only their second final and first since 1981.