HALEP, PLISKOVA OFF TO WINNING FED CUP STARTS

Paris, Feb. 10: Former world number ones Karolina Pliskova and Simona Halep won their opening rubbers as the Fed Cup clash between defending champions Czech Republic and Romania ended 1- 1 on Saturday’s opening day.

Pliskova, her country’s top player in the absence of world number two Petra Kvitova, swept past Mihaela Buzarnescu 6- 1, 6- 4 before Halep disposed of Katerina Siniakova 6- 4, 6- 0 to bring Romania level.

The wins set up a mouthwatering clash between Pliskova, ranked five in the world, and number three Halep on the indoor hard courts of Ostrava on Sunday.

“I’m excited but I can’t afford to get over- excited,” said Australian Open semi- finalist Pliskova, who is hoping to inspire the Czechs to an 11th successive appearance in the last four of the Fed Cup.

Her caution is understandable as she trails Halep 6- 2 in career meetings.