Nadal's absence takes shine off Davis final

By Brian Homewood

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - The absence of world number one Rafael Nadal has taken the shine off the Davis Cup final and left Argentina as firm favourites to beat Spain and win the trophy for the first time.

Unbeaten at home for 10 years, Argentina now have higher-ranked players in their favour as well as the playing surface and a partisan crowd.

Nadal pulled out last week after failing to recover from tendonitis in his right knee and blamed his injury on an overloaded tennis calendar.

His withdrawal produced mixed feelings in the home camp.

"I regret that he's not coming, because all the Argentines wanted to see him, but it's also right to say that all Argentines want us to be Davis Cup champions," said Argentina captain Alberto Mancini.

"In that sense, it's good news because our chances have got better."

Argentina, taking part in their third final and at home for the first time, have chosen to stage the game on an indoor surface at the Islas Malvinas arena in the resort of Mar del Plata.

Their usual venue is the larger Parque Roca in Buenos Aires but the clay surface is also preferred by the Spaniards.