Russian World No 18 Mikhail Youzhny has confirmed his participation for the $416,000 ATP Chennai Open, to be held at the SDAT Nungambakkam stadium in January 2008.

Youzhny, whose lethal single-handed backhand has been overshadowed by his celebratory military salute, was ranked as high as number 10 in August this year after completing his most successful season on the tour.

Apart from rising in the rankings, the 25-year-old from Moscow [Images] also helped his team into the Davis Cup final last month, when they overcame the Germans 3-2.

Russia [Images] were 1-2 after the second day, when Youzhny threw his team a lifeline by beating  Philipp Petzschner 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the fourth rubber.

Fernando Soler, Tournament Director, Chennai Open 2008, in a statement, said, "Youzhny has been a consistent player on the ATP circuit. Youzhny is often able to draw his energy from the engaged crowd to produce a series of risky winners, especially when he is defending match points.

"I am sure given the support and enthusiasm of Chennai fans, Youzhny will be a treat to watch at the Chennai Open."

World number two Rafael Nadal [Images] of Spain has already confirmed participation for the event.

Youzhny, who trails Nadal 3-5 in head-to-head, played out an epic five-setter with the Spaniard in Wimbledon this year. The Russian was two sets up when he suffered from back cramps and went down 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6, 2-6.

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