Week #17: Russia and Spain, finalists of the Fed Cup

Russia and Spain advanced to the Fed Cup's final, which will take place in Spain on September 13th-14th. Powerful team of Russia gave no chance to a weak US team that missed their best players. Top players Anna Chakvetadze, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Vera Zvonareva solved the tie with 3 victories on the 3 first matches. The other tie was also decided in the first 3 matches, but in this case with some surprise as Spain defeated China in Beijing. WTA #132 Carla Suarez upsetted WTA #68 Shuai Peng in the opening match, while Spanish leader Nuria Llagostera secured the victory defeating Jie Zheng and Shuai Peng in the 2nd and 3rd matches.
Italy and France kept their place in World Group after defeating Ukraine and Japan respectively. On the other hand, Czech Republic and Argentina promoted to World Group after defeating Israel and Germany in two close ties.
On the other hand, Serbia and Switzerland promoted to World Group II while Belgium and Slovak Republic saved their place

Fed Cup, World Group semifinals
RUSSIA v U.S.A. 3-2
China v SPAIN 1-4

Fed Cup, World Group Play-offs
ITALY v Ukraine 3-2
Japan v FRANCE 1-4
ARGENTINA v Germany 3-2
Israel v CZECH REPUBLIC 2-3

Fed Cup, World Group II Play-offs
BELGIUM v Colombia 5-0
Austria v SWITZERLAND 2-3
SLOVAK REPUBLIC v Uzbekistan 5-0
Croatia v SERBIA 2-3