Summary Pliskova and Barbora Strycova clinched the Czech Republic's fifth Fed Cup title in six years
STRASBOURG, France, Nov 13, 2016 (AFP) - Karolina Pliskova and Barbora Strycova clinched the Czech Republic s fifth Fed Cup title in six years on Sunday after beating France in the the deciding doubles rubber in Strasbourg.
With the tie level at 2-2, US Open finalist Pliskova teamed up with Strycova to defeat French Open doubles champions Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic 7-5, 7-5 to prolong the Czechs reign.
It was their third triumph in succession and 10th overall, with only the United States boasting more titles with 17.
France had grabbed a 2-1 lead earlier in the day after Garcia moved them within reach of a first Fed Cup crown since 2003 following a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over sixth-ranked Pliskova.
But Strycova, drafted in to replace injured two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova by Czech captain Petr Pala, kept their hopes alive by overcoming Alize Cornet 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) to force a fifth and final rubber.
Mladenovic sat out the reverse singles complaining of cramp after losing a four-hour marathon to Pliskova in the opening match on Saturday, but returned to partner Garcia in the doubles.
However she dropped serve at 5-all in the first set after netting a bruising forehand from Pliskova and the Czechs surged in front.
Pliskova and Strycova then broke again to move 3-2 ahead in the second, but the French pair responded to draw level at 4-all.
Mladenovic s serve came unstuck once more though when Pliskova reacted superbly to dig out a volley and convert the decisive break point for a 6-5 lead as the Czech Republic extended their recent domination.
France had been seeking to win a third crown -- the last of which came when captain Amelie Mauresmo inspired them to a 4-1 triumph over the United States 13 years ago.
