Belgium, Russia finish day level at 1-1

LIEGE, Belgium, Apr 22 (Reuters) Belgium's Justine Henin-Hardenne battled her way to a 6-7 6-4 6-3 victory over Russia's Nadia Petrova today to leave the countries level at 1-1 going in to the final day of their Fed Cup quarter-final.

World number five Petrova powered her way to the opening set and defending champions Russia seemed set to take a 2-0 lead following her team mate Elena Dementieva's stunning 6-4 6-3 victory over world number two Kim Clijsters earlier in the day.

But Henin-Hardenne, the world number four, inspired by her home crowd, fought back to level matters in the second set before eventually taking the decider.

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

Tomorrow sees a reverse of Saturday's singles with Clijsters up first against Petrova and French Open champion Henin-Hardenne facing Dementieva. The final doubles pairings will depend on the outcome of the singles.

US Open champion Clijsters began sluggishly in her match with Dementieva, losing 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 serve twice to secure the match.

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

REUTERS KD PM2358