Maria Sharapova [Images] and Nikolay Davydenko have been named Russia's [Images] best players in 2005, the country's tennis federation announced at its annual award gala on Saturday.

This year, Florida-based Sharapova became the first Russian woman to take the world number one spot and she also reached semi-finals at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in addition to winning three WTA singles titles.

The 18-year-old Sharapova, who finished the year as number four in the world, pipped Elena Dementieva as Russia's top female player while Ukraine-born Davydenko won the men's award ahead of Igor Andreev and Australian Open champion Marat Safin [Images].

Dementieva led Russia to their second consecutive Fed Cup title by beating France [Images] in the final at Roland Garros.

She won both of her singles matches against Mary Pierce and Amelie Mauresmo before teaming up with Dinara Safina in the decisive doubles to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Davydenko has had the best year of his career.

The 24-year-old reached the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at Roland Garros and made the last four at the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai. He also led Russia to the Davis Cup semi-finals in the absence of the injured Safin.

Andreev won his first ATP titles this year, triumphing in Valencia, Palermo and Moscow [Images], while Safin, troubled by a persistent knee injury, has had a largely disappointing season.

After winning his second Australian Open title in January, Safin has played only one tournament since Wimbledon, losing in the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Masters Series in August.

Russia's Fed Cup side were voted the best team for the second year in a row.

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