PARIS, July 7: France are overwhelming favourites to reach their third successive Fed Cup final when they take on Spain in Aix-en-Provence this weekend. Having beaten Spain 5-0 in last year’s semifinal, as well as in the quarter-final the previous year, they are expected to stroll into a final against Russia or the US.

With a rejuvenated Mary Pierce, runner-up at the French Open last month, and Wimbledon semi-finalist Amelie Mauresmo leading the charge they should outclass a steady, but unspectacular, Spanish team.

“We will be the favourites since we beat them twice in our last two ties,” said team captain George Goven, who took over from Guy Forget after last year’s defeat to Russia in the final.—Reuters