US win doubles to beat Argentina

Liezel Huber and Julie Ditty defeated Argentina's Betina Jozami and Gisela Dulko 6-2 6-3 in the decisive doubles match in Arizona on Sunday to give the United States a 3-2 victory in their Fed Cup tie.

The doubles triumph sent the Americans to an April semi-finals date in the women's team competition against the Czech Republic, who beat Spain 4-1 on Sunday.

Argentina had moved within one point of clinching the tie when Dulko overpowered Jill Craybas 6-1 6-3 in the first reverse singles for a 2-1 lead, after the teams split the opening matches.

Teenager Melanie Oudin kept the home team alive when the 17-year-old overcame Jozami 2-6 6-1 6-2 to send the first-round tie into the decisive doubles showdown.

"It was up to Melanie in the second match to really fight and find a way to win, which is what she did," US captain Mary Joe Fernandez told reporters.

"She really dug deep. For someone so young, playing in their first Fed Cup when it's all on the line there, she had to win to stay in it, she really came through. I'm really proud of her."

Argentine captain Ricardo Rivera had Soledad Esperon and Aranza Salut on his squad but chose to couple singles players Dulko and Jozami in the final match.

The Americans, playing the tie without the Williams sisters, Wimbledon champion Venus and top-ranked US and Australian Open holder Serena, stayed alive in a bid for an 18th Fed Cup title.

Argentina were thwarted in their aim to equal their best Fed Cup finish, semi-final appearances in 1986 and 1993.