Moscow, Nov 23: Earlier, world number four Amelie Mauresmo overpowered Lisa Raymond 6-4 6-3 in the opening singles to put the French ahead in their quest for a second Fed Cup triumph. After easily winning the first set 6-3, Mauresmo overcame a brief period of resistance from Raymond early in the second before claiming the last five games to secure a comfortable victory. Mauresmo fired 10 aces past the American. Raymond, who has now lost all five of her matches against the Frenchwoman, acknowledged Mauresmo's superiority. "I was playing a different calibre opponent today," said the 30-year-old, who won both of her singles matches before teaming up with Martina Navratilova in doubles to lead the U.S. to a 4-1 semi-final win over Belgium two days ago.

Bureau Report