• Fed Cup

Murray off to a winning start as Baltacha seals win

ESPN staff
February 1, 2012
Judy Murray enjoyed a winning start to life as Fed Cup captain © Getty Images
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Britain took a step closer to promotion to the Fed Cup World Group after Elena Baltacha powered past Michelle Larcher de Brito to secure an opening victory against Portugal.

Judy Murray enjoyed a winning start to life as Fed Cup captain as she saw Baltacha and Anne Keothavong clinch straighforward victories in their Euro/Africa Zone I tie in Israel.

With Britain looking to secure promotion into the World Group II of the competition, they need to win Group C - comprising of Netherlands, Israel and Portugal to qualify for Saturday's play-offs.

Keothavong got Britain off to a flying start, beating Koehler Maria Joao Koehler 6-3 6-4. The British No. 2 raced to a 4-0 lead in the opening set, but survived a late rally by her opponent as she closed out the opening set. Koehler grabbed an early break, but Keothavong held firm to close out the match with a late break of serve.

Baltacha secured the victory in style as she demolished Portuguese No. 1 Larcher de Brito 6-2 6-3 to clinch an unassailable 2-0 lead in Eilat, taking the pressure off youngsters Laura Robson and Heather Watson in the doubles rubber. After a shaky start the pair romped to a 7-5 6-0 victory over Koehler and Larcher de Brito to seal the whitewash.

Britain will play the Netherlands on Thursday before their final group tie against hosts Israel on Friday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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