Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Spain have advanced to the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals for the first time in 18 years by clinching a 2-1 win over Kazakhstan in the decisive doubles match, during which Cristina Bucsa and Sara Sorribes Tormo saved a remarkable 18 break points.
The indefatigable duo allowed just two of the 20 break chances they faced in a 6-2, 7-5 win over Anna Danilina and Zhibek Kulambayeva on Wednesday.
It earned the Spaniards a crack at Czechia, who have Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova and Marie Bouzkova in their ranks, in Friday’s last-four.
The Czechs had beaten Great Britain 2-0 on Tuesday to stay on course for a 12th title in what’s regarded as the World Cup of women’s tennis, previously known as the Fed Cup. Australia failed to qualify for the finals.
Spain have won the event five times, but that was back in the 1990s and the last time they reached the final was in 2008.
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro had given Spain a lead on Wednesday, beating Sonja Zhiyenbayeva 6-2 6-2, before Kazakhstan, without Elena Rybakina in their ranks, levelled the tie with Yulia Putintseva’s 6-2 3-6 6-1 win over Bucsa.
The other two quarter-finals matches will be played on Thursday, with two-time defending champions Italy facing hosts China while Ukraine play Belgium.
