Navratilova maintains Fed Cup run

Martina Navratilova extended her unbeaten streak in the Fed Cup as the United States secured a place in the final in Moscow yesterday with a 4-1 win over Belgium that was powered by Lisa Raymond's second singles win in two days.

Navratilova, 47, teamed up with Raymond to beat Elke Clijsters and Caroline Maes 6-1, 6-4 in the doubles, giving Navratilova a 38-0 record in the Fed Cup.

"It's an honour to be on the court with her," Raymond said. "To represent your country is one honour, but to represent your country with Martina Navratilova is pretty amazing."

The United States will seek its 18th Fed Cup title this weekend against the winner of the semi-final series between France and hosts Russia. Amelie Mauresmo gave the French a 2-1 lead with her 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 win over Anastasia Myskina.

The doubles win was icing on the cake for Raymond, who earlier had given the United States a 3-1 lead and a spot in the finals by dismantling Clijsters 6-2, 6-1.