Kvitova keeps Czechs alive as rain delays semi

PALERMO, Italy (AFP) –

Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova reacts after defeating Italy’s Sara Errani during the second day of their 2013 World Group Fed Cup semi-final, on April 21, 2013, in Palermo.

Former Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova defeated Sara Errani 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 to keep defending champions, the Czech Republic alive in their Fed Cup semi-final against Italy on Sunday.

Trailing 2-0 overnight on the clay courts of Palermo, the Czechs, who were also champions in 2011, were looking at defeat before Kvitova’s heroics.

With rain having already disrupted play, the decision was then taken to complete the tie on Monday with the eventual winners to face either Russia or Slovakia in November’s final.

Roberta Vinci is due to face Lucie Safarova where a win for the Czech player would see the semi-final decided by the doubles.

Safarova and Vinci are tied 1-1 in their previous head to heads, with Vinci winning their only past meeting on clay in Acapulco in 2009.

Flavia Pennetta and Francesa Schiavone are then slated to face Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka.

But Italy coach Corrado Barrazzutti could opt to select Australian, French and US Open champions Errani and Vinci to play.