Clijsters and Henin unite for Belgian Fed Cup cause

LONDON, July 5 (Reuters) Kim Clisters and Justine Henin-Hardenne boosted Belgium's chances of winning a second Fed Cup title today when they were named in the squad for the semi-final against a weakened United States.

The Americans will be hoping Jamea Jackson can reproduce the heroics that helped them knock out Germany 3-2 in the previous round because sisters Venus and Serena Williams as well as Lindsay Davenport are unavailable for the tie.

Jackson won both her singles rubbers on her competition debut in the first round to lead the US into the last four.

World number two Clijsters and third-ranked Henin-Hardenne helped Belgium win their maiden title in the team competition in 2001.

They will host the Americans on an indoor hardcourt in Ostend, Belgium from July 15 to 16.

World number 27 Anabel Medina Garrigues will spearhead the Spanish team when they host Italy in the other semi-final in Zaragoza. Francesca Schiavone will lead the Italian challenge.

The winners of the two ties will contest the final in September.

REUTERS SHB KP2318