Chakvetadze plays down Sharapova's Fed Cup final hopes

STANFORD, California, July 28 (Reuters) Anna Chakvetadze said world number two Maria Sharapova will not be chosen to represent Russia in the Fed Cup final despite making herself available to play this week.

Chakvetadze, speaking after booking her semi-final place at the Stanford Classic on Friday, said she expected captain Shamil Tarpischev to stick with the victorious semi-final team when Russia face holders Italy in Moscow on Sept 15-16.

Sharapova, who has never played Fed Cup tennis for her home country, was criticised for pulling out of the semi-final against the US, which Russia won 3-2 behind Chakvetadze, Nadia Petrova and Elena Vesnina.

Tarpischev was quoted after the victory as saying that he would name an unchanged team to face Italy, but Sharapova told her Web site (www.mariasharapova.com) that after clearing the air with the Russian captain she would be available to play.

''He never said that I was not invited to the Fed Cup final,'' the 20-year-old said. ''He repeated that I am always invited to play for Russia.

''I have told Shamil and the Russian Federation that I will make myself available to play in the finals if they need me.

''My (shoulder) injury created a problem, and I understand and respect that many of my Russian team mates who competed in the first two rounds should get the first chance to play in the finals.'' But world number seven Chakvetadze told Reuters that Tarpischev was unlikely to budge.

''The captain decides, but I think it would be weird because we played quarter-finals and semi-final with the same team,'' Chakvetadze said.

''I don't think that the captain will decide to take Maria. She's a great player, but usually people don't do it like this.

''Tarpischev is a diplomat, so you never know how it will go, but I would be okay if she's on the team. I have nothing against her.'' REUTERS SAM PM1030