Lopez win lifts Spain over US in Davis Cup

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Spain seized the lead in a Davis Cup quarterfinal tie against the United States on Friday when Feliciano Lopez outlasted eighth-ranked Mardy Fish for a five-set singles victory.

In a four-hour showdown that featured a combined 64 aces, Fish twice denied the Spaniard on match point in the fifth set before Lopez escaped with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 8-6 triumph in the first of a best-of-five matchup.

The Spaniards are seeking their third title in four years without World No. 2 Rafael Nadal, who pulled out of the tie in order to rest after reaching the Wimbledon final.

Spain captured Davis Cup titles in 2008 and 2009 as well as 2004 with Nadal as part of the team.

The US-Spain tie was set to continue later Friday with World No. 10 Andy Roddick of the United States meeting World No. 6 David Ferrer.