Pavlyuchenkova inspires Russia to 3-2 win over France

Teenage star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova replaced a struggling Maria Sharapova last night and inspired four-time champions Russia to an historic 3-2 win over France and a place in the Fed Cup semi-finals.

Russia had been 2-0 down overnight after Alize Cornet had seen off Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Pavlyuchenkova defeated Cornet 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 before Kuznetsova levelled the World Group I clash by seeing off Razzano 6-4, 6-4. She then partnered Kuznetsova to a 7-6, (7/4), 6-0 win over Alize Cornet and Julie Coin in the decisive doubles.