SHENZHEN, China (Reuters) -The United States stayed on course for a record-extending 19th Billie Jean King Cup crown after Taylor Townsend and Jessica Pegula won the doubles decider to edge out Kazakhstan 2-1 in their quarter-final on Thursday.
The tie hung in the balance after American Emma Navarro had dramatically saved two match points to outlast Yulia Putintseva 7-5 2-6 7-6(6), only for an aggressive Elena Rybakina to level matters by dismantling world number seven Pegula 6-4 6-1.
Kazakhstan, eyeing
their first final appearance, then rolled the dice by selecting Rybakina and Putintseva for the decisive doubles clash.
But the Americans -- spearheaded by doubles world number one Townsend -- had other plans when skipper Lindsay Davenport teamed her up with Pegula.
The U.S. pair survived an early scare when they stared down three break points at 0-40 in their opening service game, but managed to hold serve before seizing control.
While Pegula patrolled the baseline, Townsend proved clinical at the net as both Rybakina and Putintseva dropped serve, helping the Americans pocket the first set.
Although Kazakhstan struck first in the second with an early break, the U.S. broke back immediately and forced a tiebreak which they dominated to seal a 6-2 7-6(1) victory.
"I haven't played with Taylor in such a long time, so that was fun to get back playing with her," said Pegula, a former doubles world number one.
"I always love playing with a lefty. Makes my life a lot easier. I think our games complement each other really well. She's an amazing doubles player. She could probably play with anybody."
The U.S. will face Britain or Japan in the semi-finals. Defending champions Italy meet Ukraine in the other semi-final.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
