Czechs in control against Italy

The Czech Republic stormed into a 2-0 lead at home to Italy in the opening day of the best-of-five rubbers Fed Cup semi-final, to leave the defending champions on the brink of elimination. Lucie Šafárová (CZE) defeated Sara Errani (ITA) 6-4 6-1 before Petra Kvitová (CZE) clinched a 6-4 6-2 win over Camila Giorgi (ITA) in Ostrava on Saturday.