Moscow, Nov 21: Lisa Raymond powered the Unites States into the Fed Cup final as she trounced Belgium's Elke Clijsters 6-2 6-1 on Thursday to give her team an unassailable 3-1 lead in their semi-final.
The Americans will next face the winners of the second semi-final between hosts Russia and France , who were level at 1-1 after the first day.
Els Callens beat Meghann Shaughnessy 6-3 7-6 in the earlier match to bring the Belgians, who are missing their top two players, world numbers one and two Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters, back into the tie.
Clijsters's younger sister Elke, a late replacement for 17-year-old Kirsten Flipkens, could do nothing to stop in-form Raymond.
The 30-year-old American, known more for her doubles prowess, produced another impressive display of power tennis following her 6-2 6-1 demolition of Callens on Wednesday.
Bureau Report