Spain beat Argentina to win third Davis Cup crown

Mar del Plata (Argentina), Nov 24 (DPA) Spain claimed its third Davis Cup title since 2000 as Fernando Verdasco defeated Jose Acasuso 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 to clinch a 3-1 victory over Argentina here Sunday night.

The winners managed to complete their trophy hat-trick in the worldwide team competition without the services of Rafael Nadal, out with a knee injury.

Spain came in as underdogs against the South Americans, who had chosen a fast indoor surface in anticipation of trying to nullify the clay skills of four-time French Open champion Nadal.

The victory ended the Argentine victory run at home at 13 straight ties. Spain become the seventh nation in the Cup's 108-year history to win three or more titles.

Spain won the Cup in 2004 over the US in Sevilla and in 2000 against Australia in Barcelona.