Spain captures 3rd Davis Cup this decade

MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Fernando Verdasco's marathon win over Argentina's Jose Acususo Sunday clinched the 2008 Davis Cup for Spain, its third cup title this decade.

Verdasco's 6-7 (3-7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory in a match that lasted nearly four hours gave the Spaniards an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five cup final.

Acususo suffered a stomach muscle strain late in the match and was given medical attention.

Spain also won the cup in 2000 and 2004.

"This is the most beautiful day of my life," Verdasco said after his battle with Acususo. "Playing for my country, against the best players, it's a dream."

Spain's Feliciano and Argentina's David Nalbandian were to play a singles match Sunday but it was canceled after Verdasco clinched the cup.