Champions the Czech Republic made light of the absence of Petra Kvitova as they eased into the Fed Cup semi-finals for a ninth year in succession with a 3-2 defeat of Spain.

After the opening day of the tie in Ostrava had been shared 1-1, world number three Karolina Pliskova powered past French Open champion Garbine Muguruza 6-2 6-2 before Barbora Strycova beat Lara Arruabarrena 6-4 6-4.

Strycova dedicated the win to double Wimbledon champion Kvitova who is recovering from a serious hand injury sustained during an attempted robbery at her home late last year.

“Of course we are thinking about her every day and we were talking to her,” Strycova said.

“This was for her. We hope she comes back and we will welcome her with open arms.”

Belarus also reached the semi-finals without the services of their top player Victoria Azarenka, who has just had a baby.

They beat the Netherlands 4-1 with 18-year-old Aryna Saba-lenka securing the decisive point on her debut.

Belarus will face Switzerland in the semi-finals after they beat France 3-1.

The Czechs will face the United States, who beat Germany 4-0 in Hawaii last weekend.

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