Schiavone gives Italy 1-0 lead over France

NANCY, France, Apr 22 (Reuters) In-form Francesca Schiavone came from behind to tame Nathalie Dechy 6-7 6-3 6-3 and give Italy a 1-0 lead in their Fed Cup first-round tie against France today.

Dechy, called up after experienced Mary Pierce and talented Tatiana Golovin were forced out because of injuries, was put under constant pressure by the world number 11.

The Frenchwoman saved three set points at 6-5 before she took the tiebreak with a superb forehand passing shot.

Schiavone, playing more aggressively, broke her opponent's serve twice in a row to lead 4-1 in the second set and wrapped it up thanks to a winning forehand.

In the final set, the Italian proved too consistent for Dechy and snatched victory on her first match point, a powerful smash.

''I felt rather good in the opening set but then she (Schiavone) lifted the level of her play,'' Dechy said. ''She hit the ball pretty hard and it was hard to return her strokes.

''I gave too many points away during the third set. I squandered a break at 4-3 and I missed the chance to come back into the match,'' she added.

In the second singles rubber world number one Amelie Mauresmo takes on Italy's Flavia Pennetta.

REUTERS KD PM2109