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.