Intro:

The Czech Republic stormed into a 2-0 lead at home to Italy in the opening day of the best-of-five rubbers Fed Cup semi-final, to leave the defending champions on the brink of elimination. Lucie Šafárová (CZE) defeated Sara Errani (ITA) 6-4 6-1 before Petra Kvitová (CZE) clinched a 6-4 6-2 win over Camila Giorgi (ITA) in Ostrava on Saturday.

Script:

The Fed Cup's big hitters the Czech Republic and Italy went head to head in the semi-final on Saturday.

Czech Lucie Šafárová and Sara Errani of Italy got the tie underway.

Cheered on by a raucous home crowd, Šafárová won the first set 6-4.

The 27-year-old broke Errani early in the second set.

Šafárová then launched this backhand winner straight off the Italian's serve to win 6-4, 6-1.

Over to Italian Camila Giorgi and Petra Kvitová of the Czech Republic for today's second rubber.

Kvitová may be the world number six but few would have expected her to break Giorgi in the very first game.

Kvitová trains at the same club as Tomáš Berdych -- who's trademark is his big serve -- and she rattled off this ace to take the first set, despite Giorgi's protests.

The 24-year-old then powered through the second set to win 6-4, 6-2 and leave defending champions Italy on the brink of elimination.