Fed Cup champions Russia hope to freeze out China

LONDON: Adjusting to the wintery conditions in Moscow will be Russia's main concern as they begin the defense of their Fed Cup title against China this weekend.

Captain Shamil Tarpishchev has the luxury of relying on two top 10 players - Olympic champion Elena Dementieva and world No 7 Svetlana Kuznetsova - to spearhead the Russian campaign as they target a fifth title in six years.

Even though the tie will take place on an indoor hardcourt, Tarpishchev hoped his players would not suffer any ill affects after being greeted by sub zero temperatures in Moscow having toiled in over 40 C at the Australian Open last week.