Russia close in on Fed Cup final

Vera Zvonareva and Svetlana Kuznetsova today moved Russia to the brink of the Fed Cup final with victories in their semi-final singles rubbers against two-time defending champions Italy in Moscow.

World number three Zvonareva gave the hosts the perfect start as she cruised past Sara Errani 6-0 6-2 in the opening encounter, with Kuznetsova following up with a battling 6-2 6-7 (4/7) 6-1 triumph over Roberta Vinci.

The wins earned Russia a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series and put them in the box seat to secure a first final appearance since 2008, while Italy were facing the possibility of a first loss in over three years.

Zvonareva was delighted to have set the tone in such emphatic manner.

The 26-year-old told www.fedcup.com: "I'm excited to be back in my team and I'm excited to represent my country. I was trying to stay focused from the first ball to the last one. I think I did well and produced some good tennis today.

"I was very nervous to be back here in Moscow. I haven't played a tournament in Moscow since two years (ago). I'm playing at home and I'm representing my country. It's a special thing for me and I'm really enjoying this moment.

"You definitely have to keep concentration and you have to keep that discipline. That's the toughest part - you have to do the same thing over and over, what's working, and you have to execute that plan.

"You have to not give her chances to get into the game. It's definitely difficult but I think I did well today."

The reverse singles take place tomorrow, with the winners of the tie set to pay Belgium or Czech Republic in the final in November.