Shamil

With only three players making the trip, Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev had to pair Dementieva and Kudryavtseva for the first time in their careers without the benefit of practicing together.

USA tops Russia, advances to Fed Cup final against Italy 2010

Russia team captain Shamil Tarpischev, second from left, uses an array of techniques to give his squad an advantage in the team competition.

Russia could reach into bag of tricks to topple U.S. 2007

"There is no question that the American team is the favorite," Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev said this week.

Roddick pledged early allegiance to Davis Cup squad 2007

She was invited by Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev to practice with the team, and threw her support behind her teammates Saturday.

Russia takes 2-0 lead in Fed Cup final 2007

She was invited by Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev to practice with the team this week, but she didn't play because of a lingering shoulder injury.

Kuznetsova wins to give Russia its third Fed Cup title 2007

Russia's captain Shamil Tarpischev pulled a surprise at the draw, leaving fourth-ranked Davydenko out of the singles matches — setting up the first match between Roddick and Tursunov.

U.S. goes up 2-0 in Davis Cup final after first day 2007

Such was his mental state that Russian Davis Cup captain Shamil Tarpischev held out Davydenko from singles play in the 4-1 loss to the USA in the final at Portland, Ore., this month.

Match-fixing allegations put tennis officials on high alert 2007

Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev took things further, saying he could choose from as many as 15 women and still compete for the Cup.

Russians win doubles, bounce U.S. from Fed Cup 2007

Some were surprised when Russia's captain Shamil Tarpischev left fourth-ranked Davydenko out of the singles matches — setting up the first match between Roddick and Tursunov.

Doubles pleasure: Bryans boost USA to Davis Cup 2007

Safin, who has missed much of the season with a knee injury, was picked by Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev ahead of fifth-ranked clay-court specialist Nikolay Davydenko.

USATODAY.com - Roundup: Russia takes 2-0 lead over U.S. in Davis Cup; Argentina up on Aussies 2006