Russia under pressure in race to European Tennis Trophy.

In what promises to be the closest race for some years, defending champions Russia face tough competition from Germany, Spain and France as they seek to become only the second nation to win the overall European Tennis Trophy presented by Lindström on four consecutive occasions.

Following the first 2008 Race update to mark the first six months of play, Russia's lead over second-placed Spain for the crucial Professional Tennis Trophy is a mere 375 points, compared to 1008 at this time in 2007. International team competitions are likely to be crucial to the final outcome, with the nations due to meet in the final of the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas in September. Both teams will also feature in the semi finals of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.

Russia has dominated the Junior Tennis Trophy in recent years and looks set to defend its title once again, having earned almost twice as many points as nearest rivals France in the first half of the season. Ukraine has achieved the most radical improvement so far in 2008, standing in third place having finished last season ranked #23 in Europe. Belgium, Great Britain and Hungary are also on course to finish in the top ten, halving their 2007 rankings.

Germany is virtually assured of retaining the Senior Tennis Trophy, having dominated the major European Championships to have been played so far this season to such an extent that they have almost three times as many points as second placed Austria, who are well positioned to usurp last year's runners-up, Italy.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands' dominance at the World Team Cup puts them in good stead to retain the Wheelchair Tennis Trophy, with a 300 point lead over second placed Sweden, aiming for their best ever finish in the category.

The Overall point standings forecast significant improvements for Israel, Serbia and Ukraine, while Belgium and Croatia are in danger of slipping from the top ten. Great changes can be expected during the second half of the season, with extra points available this year due to the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The European Tennis Trophy presented by Lindström is an annual competition designed to recognise and reward Tennis Europe's member nations for their achievements throughout the year in various disciplines of the sport.

The first Trophy Race update includes all points earned by nations in events until the end of June 2008, including ATP Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Race Points. Rankings that use a rollover 52-week system are not counted at this stage. The final European Tennis Trophy by Lindström standings for 2008 will be announced in December.