US battle past Kazakhstan to set up BJK Cup semi-final against Britain

The US stayed on course for a record-extending 19th Billie Jean King Cup crown after Taylor Townsend and Jessica Pegula won the doubles decider to edge out Kazakhstan 2-1 on Thursday and set up a semifinal clash with Britain.

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The tie hung in the balance after American Emma Navarro had dramatically saved two match points to outlast Yulia Putintseva 7-5 2-6 7-6(6), only for an aggressive Elena Rybakina to level matters by dismantling world number seven Pegula 6-4 6-1.

Kazakhstan, eyeing their first final appearance, then rolled the dice by selecting Rybakina and Putintseva for the decisive doubles clash.

But the Americans--spearheaded by doubles world number one Townsend -- had other plans when skipper Lindsay Davenport teamed her up with Pegula.

The US pair survived an early scare when they stared down three break points at 0-40 in their opening service game, but managed to hold serve before seizing control.

While Pegula patrolled the baseline, Townsend proved clinical at the net as both Rybakina and Putintseva dropped serve, helping the Americans pocket the first set.