Italy and Canada reach BJK Cup semis, Swiss crash out

SEVILLE :Switzerland's reign as Billie Jean King Cup champions is over after they suffered a second successive loss in Seville on Thursday, this time at the hands of the United States.

Italy became the first nation through to the semi-finals after beating Germany 3-0 in Group D.

Canada also made sure of first place in Group C as they won both singles matches against a Poland side missing world number one Iga Swiatek.

Teenager Marina Stakusic enhanced her burgeoning reputation with a 4-6 7-5 6-3 defeat of Magdalena Frech before world number 20 Leylah Fernandez eased past Magda Linette.

"I'm proud and ecstatic that we are in the semis," Fernandez said. "Happy I could execute my game plan."

Last year's runners-up Australia edged Kazakhstan 2-1 in Group, B although they can no longer qualify for the semi-finals.

The United States arrived in Andalucia without top players Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula but still proved too strong for a Swiss side missing Belinda Bencic who announced last week that she was expecting a baby.

Danielle Collins used her experience to beat youngster Celine Naef 7-6(4) 6-1 before former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin overcame Viktorija Golubic 6-3 6-7(1) 7-5 to give her team an unassailable lead in the tie.

Kenin dominated the best part of two sets and was close to a straight-sets win before being dragged into a decider.

Three match points came and went at 6-5 on her serve but she kept her cool to finish the job and send the Swiss packing.

Kathy Rinaldi's team now face a Group A clash with the Czech Republic on Friday to decide who goes through to the weekend's semi-finals.

Italy had dispatched France on Wednesday and followed up strongly against Germany as Martina Trevisan secured a hardfought 7-6(6) 6-1