BUENOS AIRES -- Gaston Gaudio crushed former world number one Yevgeny Kafelnikov as Argentina took a 2-0 lead over champions Russia with almost embarrassing ease in their Davis Cup quarterfinal on Friday.

Gaudio, beaten in five sets by Kafelnikov in last year's semifinal after losing two match points, overran his opponent 6-4 6-0 6-2 in an hour and 43 minutes to put the Russians in serious danger of losing the title they won against France.

David Nalbandian also won in straight sets against Nikolay Davydenko to set Argentina on their way as Russia badly missed their number one player Marat Safin, who is recovering from an ankle injury, Reuters reported.

"This has been one of the best games I've played in the Davis Cup," said Gaudio, who finished 21st in last year's ATP champions race. He added: "It will take very good opponents to beat Argentina in Buenos Aires if we keep playing at this standard."

Kafelnikov, on the other hand, was left contemplating his future.

"If I can keep playing well in competition I will carry on, if not I will seriously think about retiring," said the 29-year-old.