France, Spain and Czech Republic dominated the Federation Cup Friday competing in Groups A, B, C in venues throughout the world while on Saturday Italy and Russia defeated Croatia and Australia and Slovakia tied the Czech Republic.
Spain's, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and Conchita Martinez both achieved singles wins after conquering Iva Majoli (6-4, 6-2) and Jelena Kostanic (6-3, 6-2) and clinched a fifth victory leading their country to a 2-1 lead over Croatia Friday in Group A.
While the Czech Republic's Kveta Hrdlickova and Patty Schnyder destroyed Switzerland's Emmanuelle Gagliardi (6-1, 7-6) and Denisa Chladkova (6-2, 6-2) earning a 2-1 win in Group B.
France's Nathalie Dechy struggled past Nicola Pratt (6-4, 5-7, 6-2) whereas Australian teenager Jelena Dokic stunned 11th ranked Sandrine Testud, (6-7, 7-5, 6-3). However doubles partners Julie and Nathalie Tauziat demolished Alicia Molik and Rennae Stubbs (0-6, 6-0, 7-6) pulling out a 2-1 victory in Group C.
After respectively winning pool A, B and pool C France advanced in their bid for a Fed Cup semifinal position.
In Saturday's matches Italy lead Croatia 1-0 in Group A when Italy's Tathina Garbin defeated Croatia's Jelena Kostanic (6-4, 7-6) on Saturday.
Slovakia tied Czech Republic 1-1 in Group B as Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova played Czech's Kvetoslava Hrdlickova (6-4,6-2) and Czech's Denisa Chladkova competed against Slovakia's Karina Habsudova (6-4, 6-4) in Bratislava.
While Russia destroyed Australia 2-1 in Group C when Russian Elena Likhovtseva defeated Australian Nicole Pratt (6-3, 6-2) and Australia's Jelena Dokic stunned Russia's Anna Kournikova (6-7, 7-5, 6-3) - (Several Sources)
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