• Fed Cup

Kvitova puts Czechs in command as Russia fight back

ESPN staff
April 21, 2012
Petra Kvitova gave reigning champions Czech Republic a 2-0 lead in Ostrava © PA Photos
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Defending champions Czech Republic put one foot in the Fed Cup final as Petra Kvitova and Lucie Safarova won their opening singles matches against Italy on Saturday.

Safarova beat former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone 7-6(3) 6-1 before Wimbledon champion Kvitova doubled the home side's advantage with a 6-4 6-3 win over Sara Errani.

Italy, who won the competition in 2009 and 2010, must now win all three rubbers on Sunday if they are to reach the final for a third time in four years.

In the other semi-final, Svetlana Kuznetsova kept Russia's hopes alive to draw the hosts level against Serbia in Moscow.

Jelena Jankovic claimed her first win in four meetings with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to give Serbia the lead, but Kuznetsova levelled proceedings with a hard-fought 6-2 2-6 6-4 win over Ana Ivanovic.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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