PARIS, Sept 18: Russia successfully defended their Fed Cup title here on Sunday when Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina won the crucial doubles rubber to give the holders a 3-2 win over France. The Russian pair beat France’s Mary Pierce and Amelie Mauresmo 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 on the Philippe Chatrier centre court at Roland Garros.

Pierce had earlier rallied past 2004 French Open champion Anastasia Myskina 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 after Dementieva beat French Mauresmo 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Mauresmo had drawn the hosts, winners in 1997 and 2003, level 1-1 overnight, defeating Myskina 6-4, 6-2, after Dementieva had beaten Pierce 7-6 (7/1), 2-6, 6-1.

Russia won the title for the first time in Moscow last year at the expense of France.

They become the first country to successfully defend the title since 17-time champions the United States, whom they beat in July’s semifinals, in 2000.—AFP