Reigning champions Russia are through to face Italy in this year's Fed Cup semi-finals. The April showdown was decided after Russia destroyed China 5-0 in last weekend's quarter-final.

Russia held a handy 2-0 lead from the opening day.

And that prompted coach, Shamil Tarpischev, to rest his top two players. The move gave out-of-form Anna Chakvetadze the chance to boost her confidence.

The world number 19 repayed that faith with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Yan Zi. Chakvetadze said she was far from her best tennis on the day, but it was more than enough for her Chinese rival.

“She played very well today. She was running fast and changed direction faster than me. I think she did everything better than me,” Yan Zi said.

With victory assured, Russia wrapped up the two remaining dead rubbers with ease.

Australian Open sensation, Alisa Kleybanova, made her Fed Cup debut in style, beating Tian Tian Sun, 6-1 6-1.

Later, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Dementieva teamed up for the doubles to complete a 5-0 whitewash.

Italy 5 – France 0

And it was a similar story for Russia's next opponents Italy as they booked their progress with an easy win over France.

Italy's number one, Flavia Pennetta, gave short shrift to top-ranked Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, beating her 6-2 6-2. The Italians also went on to complete a 5-0.