Italy win Fed Cup final after Henin-Hardenne withdraws

CHARLEROI, Belgium, Sep 17 (Reuters) Italy won the 2006 Fed Cup with a 3-2 win over Belgium in the final today after world number two Justine Henin-Hardenne was forced to retire during the deciding doubles match.

After the two teams finished yesterday level at 1-1, victories for Henin-Hardenne and Mara Santangelo today sent the tie to the wire.

French Open champion Henin-Hardenne beat Francesca Schiavone 6-4 7-5 while Santangelo, playing in her first Fed Cup singles match, beat Flipkens 6-7 6-3 6-0.

The Belgian pairing of Henin-Hardenne and Flipkens were level 6-3 2-6 with Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta before Henin-Hardenne's retirement.

It was Italy's first Fed Cup title.

REUTERS PDS BST0128