France livid over Italy row, Russia lead China

By Pritha Sarkar

LONDON (Reuters) - A livid French team were preparing to launch an official protest after Italy grabbed a 2-0 lead on the opening day of their Fed Cup first round tie on Saturday.

A chilly Moscow proved an inhospitable place for China as they went 2-0 down to champions Russia.

In Orleans, France, a hot-headed Flavia Pennetta survived a moment of madness and a match point before downing Amelie Mauresmo 2-6 7-6 6-4 and Francesca Schiavone made it 2-0 to Italy after running down Alize Cornet 6-1 2-6 8-6.

France captain Nicolas Escude said the hosts would object to Pennetta's win since the Italian made an obscene gesture towards the umpire when Mauresmo earned a match point at 7-6 in the second set tiebreak thanks to an overrule.

"We have prepared a letter for the supervisor to have the result of the match revised," Escude told reporters.

Mauresmo appeared to be heading for a straightforward victory when Pennetta hit out at the umpire.

She reacted angrily after the official overruled a backhand passing shot by the Italian that had initially been called in.

"I lost control of myself. It's the first time it happened to me," said Pennetta, who was fined $2,000.