Dementieva overwhelms Clijsters to give Russia 1-0 lead

LIEGE, Belgium, Apr 22 (Reuters) Russia's Elena Dementieva got her country's defence of the Fed Cup off to a perfect start with a stunning 6-4 6-3 victory over Belgium's world number two Kim Clijsters today.

US Open champion Clijsters began sluggishly and lost her opening service game. Despite breaking back immediately she was let down by her erratic service, producing six double faults during the first set.

Dementieva, ranked ninth in the world, continued her good form in the second set to break her opponent's serve twice to secure the match.

Later today, Justine Henin-Hardenne will be aiming to level matters for the home team against Nadia Petrova in the second singles.

The winner of the tie will face either Germany or the United States in the semi-finals in July.

Russia are aiming to win the Fed Cup for the third year in succession.

REUTERS KD PM2112