Anastasia Myskina kept Russia's Fed Cup hopes alive by beating Moscow-born Tatiana Golovin 6-4, 7-6 in the second singles of the competition final against holders France on Saturday, levelling the score at 1-1.
Earlier, Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy had stunned U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6, 7-6, 8-6 in the opener to give the visitors a surprise early advantage against the hot favourites.
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In the decider Dechy broke the serve of a visibly frustrated Kuznetsova, ranked number five in the world, to love in the 13th game before wrapping up victory after two hours 25 minutes.
The Russians are bidding to win their first Fed Cup title and are heavily fancied against a French team missing world number two Amelie Mauresmo and twice grand slam champion Mary Pierce.
