Schiavone powers Italy ahead in Fed Cup final

CHARLEROI, Belgium, Sep 16 (Reuters) Italy's Francesca Schiavone powered past Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens 6-1 6-3 today to take the opening match of this weeekend's Fed Cup final.

Despite a revival by Flipkens in the second set, the Italian, ranked 14th in the world, made easy work of her 98th ranked opponent to win in just over an hour.

Italy are playing in their first Fed Cup final while the Belgians are hoping to add to the only other title they won in 2001.

Schiavone raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set, breaking the Belgian's serve twice. Flipkens continuously over-hit her forehand and was unable to make a decisive shot.

Flipkens recovered to break Schiavone's serve in the sixth game before holding three match points. She eventually succumbed to the Italian who took the opening set in just 23 minutes.

The second set was similar to the first, with Flipkens again finding herself 5-0 down before winning her first game. But this time she managed to break the Italian's serve in the next game to mount a mini-fightback which had the home crowd on its feet.

The home player won her service game and had two break points in the following game, but Schiavone managed to find her form again to take the match.

World number two Justine Henin-Hardenne will aim to get the home team back in contention later today when she faces Flavia Pennetta in the second match of the day.

REUTERS DH KP1918