Russia leads the U.S. 2-0 at Fed Cup

MOSCOW, April 26 (UPI) -- Russia raced out to a 2-0 lead against the United States Saturday in Fed Cup semifinal play in Moscow.

Anna Chakvetadze turned back Vania King 6-4 7-5, while Svetlana Kuznetsova crushed Ahsha Rolle 6-2 6-1.

"I had two match points at 5-4 40-15 (second set), and instead of going for it I started to play more cautious," Chakvetadze said. "After she saved those match points my nerves got to me and I lost my concentration. But I was able to overcome that problem."

"I'm pretty happy with my play, although I'm disappointed to lose," said King, who is the U.S. team's only player with Fed Cup experience. "Actually I feel like my game has improved from last year and I feel like I can beat almost anyone."

The Americans are heavy underdogs because they lack stars such as Venus and Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport.

The Russia-United States winner faces either Spain or China in September's final.

Spain has a similar 2-0 advantage.