BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The 2005 Davis Cup final between Croatia and Slovakia begins Friday with Ivan Ljubicic taking on Karol Beck in the opening singles rubber.
Friday's other singles match in Slovakia pairs Croatian Mario Ancic against the Slovaks' top player, Dominik Hrbaty.
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Ljubicic is 2-1 lifetime against Beck, including an indoor victory in Milan earlier this year. Ancic is 3-2 all-time vs. Hrbaty, including an indoor victory in Marseille this season.
Saturday's key doubles match sends a Croatian team of Ancic and Ljubicic against a Beck and Michal Mertinak. Sunday's reverse singles have Ljubicic facing Hrbaty and Ancic taking on Beck.