Sharapova leads Russia's Fed Cup win

RAMAT HASHARON, Israel, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Maria Sharapova and Anna Chakvetadze Sunday won their matches to complete defending champion Russia's 4-1 Fed Cup quarterfinal victory over Israel.

Sharapova, the reigning Australian Open champion, overpowered Israel's top player, Shahar Peer, 6-1, 6-1. Sharapova did need to save two break points before she closed out Peer in the third set.

Chakvetadze had no problem beating Tzipora Obziler 6-4 6-2.

"It's a great win, although it is strange to win a match without actually feeling like you won," Sharapova said. "But this my Fed cup debut and I'm very satisfied with my performance."

Russia next faces the United States-Germany winner in one semifinal.

Chakvetadze replaced Dinara Safina in Sunday's reverse singles.

In other quarterfinals, China edged France 3-2 in Beijing and Spain eliminated Italy by building an insurmountable 3-0 lead in Naples.

China meets Spain in the other semifinal.