MADRID, Nov 8: Sandrine Testud and Amelie Mauresmo were quickly into their stride on Thursday to set France on their way to a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening group A game at the Fed Cup finals.

Testud adjusted well to the slow indoor clay in Madrid to beat Kveta Hrdlickova 6-4 6-1.

Mauresmo, who played with heavy strapping around her right thigh, secured victory in the tie as she outpunched the battling Denisa Chladkova 6-2 7-5.

Testud and Nathalie Tauziat then teamed up to beat Petra Cetkovska and Alena Vaskova 6-3 6-2 to complete a whitewash and ensure the Czechs cannot qualify for Sunday’s final.

The result took France to the top of group A along with Russia, who beat the Czech Republic on Wednesday. Russia play their second game against Argentina.

After edging the first set, world number 11 Testud raced to a 3-0 lead in the second before Hrdlickova hinted at a comeback, taking the second of three break points in game four as her opponent put a forehand wildly long.

Hrdlickova could not consolidate, however, and Testud ran out a comfortable winner in 65 minutes.

Thursday’s results:

Pool A

France defeated Czech Republic 3-0

Amelie Mauresmo (Fra) bt Denisa Chladkova (Cze) 6-2, 7-5; Sandrine Testud (Fra) bt Kveta Hrdlickova (Cze) 6-4, 6-1; Nathalie Tauziat/Sandrine Testud (Fra) bt Petra Cetkoovska/Alena Vaskova (Cze) 6-3, 6-2

Wednesday

Russia defeated Czech Republic 2-1

Pool B

Germany lead Australia 1-0

Bianka Lamade (Ger) bt Alicia Molik (Aus) 7-6 (7/2), 7-5

Wednesday

Spain defeated Australia 3-0

Belgium defeated Germany 3-0—Reuters/AFP