Schiavone puts Italy 2-0 up against Spain

Francesca Schiavone put Italy in control of their Fed Cup semi-final against Spain yesterday, winning the second rubber 6-4 7-5 against Lourdes Dominguez-Lino.

Italy's number one was pushed all the way by the Spaniard in stifling conditions, but won through to give the visitors a 2-0 lead over the five-times Fed Cup winners.

Flavia Pennetta crushed the hosts' number one Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-3 6-0 in the opening match in Zaragoza.

Pennetta, ranked 18 in the world, broke the Spaniard's first two service games and held firm despite a break back to take the opening set.

The 24-year-old, who reached the last eight at Wimbledon, repeated the feat at the start of the second and won in an hour and 10 minutes as her opponent grew frustrated and lost her way.

Spain need to win the reverse singles matches and the doubles rubber today to progress. The final will be played on Sept. 16-17.

Other SF: Belgium lead United States - 2-0. Flipkens bt Craybas 5-7 6-2 6-4; Clijsters bt Jackson 4-6 6-2 6-1.