Mauresmo hits back to give France 2-1 lead

CASTELLANETA MARINA, Italy, July 15 (Reuters) Amelie Mauresmo overcame some early jitters to beat Italy's Mara Santangelo 6-7 6-0 6-4 and give France a 2-1 lead over the holders in their Fed Cup semi-final today.

The world number six suffered a Bastille Day bashing yesterday when she went down 7-5 6-3 to Francesca Schiavone and she again showed her vulnerability on clay against Santangelo, a late replacement for the injured Tathiana Garbin.

Mauresmo, who lost her Wimbledon crown two weeks ago, was a break up after the seventh game of the first set but surrendered the initiative immediately before a wild backhand in the tiebreak helped to condemn her to a 7-5 loss.

The French number one stormed back though to take the second set to love in double quick time and after the pair had exchanged breaks in the deciding set Mauresmo seized her chance as the Italian wilted in the intense heat.

Schiavone faces Tatiana Golovin in the final singles rubber later with Santangelo scheduled to feature in what could be a decisive doubles match.

REUTERS BJR KN1851