Sharapova, Kuznetsova put Russia in command

Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova won their opening singles matches on Saturday to give Russia a commanding 2-0 lead over Spain in their Fed Cup first-round series.

Sharapova routed Silvia Soler-Espinosa 6-2, 6-1 in the first match, while Kuznetsova beat Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3, 6-1.

In Miki, Japanese No. 1 Ayumi Morita overcame a slow start to beat Nastja Kolar and give Japan a 2-0 lead over Slovenia in the Fed Cup World Group II first round tie. The 21-year-old stormed back from a set down to score a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win.