Dementieva guides Russia to thrilling victory

A combative Elena Dementieva was the inspiration behind Russia's 3-2 triumph over France in a thrilling Fed Cup final at Roland Garros yesterday.

Dementieva put the final touch to a faultless weekend show when she teamed up with Dinara Safina in the decisive doubles to beat the French pair of Amelie Mauresmo and Mary Pierce 6-4 1-6 6-3.

The pony-tailed 23-year-old baseliner was instrumental throughout the tie, beating Pierce in the opening singles on Saturday before overcoming Mauresmo 6-4 4-6 6-2 in a superb battle yesterday to put Russia within reach of victory.

After Pierce staged a remarkable fightback to beat Anastasia Myskina 4-6 6-4 6-2 and put France level at 2-2, Russian captain Shamil Tarpishchev, who had originally planned to line up Safina and Vera Douchevina in the doubles, changed his plans and called in Dementieva to help.

She obliged and won her third match of the weekend to leave Paris with more great memories after her run to last year's French Open final, which she lost to Myskina on the same centre court.

"It was an extraordinary fight and the public was absolutely fantastic," said France captain Georges Goven. "It's a pity we couldn't offer them a better ending."

Pierce lost to Dementieva in the opening singles on Saturday and the French fans feared she might be tired after her run to the US Open final.

Goven had hinted she might not play yesterday but she declared herself fit, then restored the home team's hopes with a spirited performance against Myskina.

The 30-year-old, who loves Roland Garros, where she won the French Open in 2000 and advanced to the final on two other occasions, including this year, recovered from a sluggish start to delight her fans.

Pierce tried her best in the doubles, showing plenty of determination, although Mauresmo looked nervous and will face more questions over her ability to cope with pressure.

Russia's victory left Tarpishchev chasing a historic double. The shrewd Russian tennis chief is aiming to become the first team captain to lead his country to both the Davis and Fed Cup titles in the same year.

Russia play Croatia in the Davis Cup semi-final this week.