BARCELONA Spain's bid to win the Davis Cup for the first time since making their debut in the competition 79 years ago has captured the imagination of some of the country's leading figures in the world of sport.

International Olympic Committee Chief Juan Antonio Samaranch is the guest of honor for the final against Australia at the Palau Sant Jordi, one of the main sites when the games were held in Barcelona in 1992.

"If Spain win it will be very important for tennis in this country," said Samaranch.

Spain and Australia were level at 1-1 going into the second day of competition, when Juan Balcells and Alex Corretja were taking on Mark Woodforde and Sandon Stolle in the doubles.

"I'm naturally very optimistic," Samaranch added. "It's going to be a tough game to win, though."

Spanish international footballers Sergi and Xavi, both of Barcelona, were also in attendance on the opening day of the competition to cheer on their fellow sportsmen.

"I believe in our players," said Xavi, who was part of the Spanish soccer team that won the silver medal in the Sydney Olympics. "I'm sure they're going to triumph."

(Reuter)