Vladivostok (Russia), July 18 (IANS): Spanish Davis Cup team captain Conchita Martinez applauded her team after leading them to a 2-0 lead against Russia on the first day of matches here.

"You cannot start better... it gives us some comfort," Conchita said on Friday, stressing that Spain still needs one more win and hoped to win it in Saturday's doubles match, reports Efe.

Conchita became on Friday the third woman in the history of Davis Cup to sit in the captain's chair.

Earlier in the say, Spain led against Russia 2-0 on the quest to qualify to the Davis Cup World Group, thanks to Tommy Robredo's victory against 17-year-old Russian player Andrey Rublev, as well as Pablo Andujar's victory over Karen Khachanov.

Spanish duo Mark Lopez and David Marrero will have a chance to seal the deal for Spain on Saturday in their doubles match, as a victory would secure the team's ticket for the Davis Cup World Group next September.

Conchita added that both of Friday's matches were tough, but that Robredo and Andujar played very well, both winning in three sets, and used their experience against the two Russian youngsters, who have less experience playing in such situations.