In Fed Cup tennis action, China leads France 2-0, and Israel and Russia are tied 1-1 after Saturday's quarterfinal world group singles matches.
In Beijing, China's Li Na beat French opponent Alize Cornet 6-3, 6-1, in the first match of the best-of-five series. Peng Shuai rallied after dropping the first set to beat Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the second match.
In Tel Aviv, Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova pulled Russia even with Israel with an easy 6-0, 6-4 shellacking of Tzipi Obziler in the second match. Shahar Peer was the winner of the first match, downing Russian Dinara Safina 0-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Spain took a 2-0 lead over Italy when Nuria Llagostera Vives beat Francesca Schiavone in three sets, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. Anabel Medina Garrigues then beat Flavia Pennetta in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. Italy has a 3-2 win edge over Spain in previous Fed Cup meetings. Later, the United States hosts Germany.
The reverse singles and the doubles matches are Sunday. This week's winners advance to the Fed Cup semifinals in April.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.