FED CUP DAY ONE SCORES Belgium 1-1 Russia Germany 0-2 USA France 1-1 Italy Spain 2-0 Austria

Earlier, Elena Dementieva got Russia's title defence off to a perfect start with a 6-4 6-3 victory over world number two Kim Clijsters.

But Henin-Hardenne pulled the scores back to 1-1 with a 6-7 6-4 6-2 win over Petrova in Saturday's second match.

Elsewhere, USA lead Germany 2-0, Spain are 2-0 ahead of Austria and France tied at 1-1 with Italy.

Russia are aiming for a hat-trick of Fed Cup titles but face a stiff challenge from Belgium, who defeated them in the 2001 final.

The winner of this weekend's meeting will face either Germany or the United States in the semi-finals in July.

I fought all the way and it is the only reason I won Justine Henin-Hardenne

Sunday sees a reverse of Saturday's singles with Clijsters up first against Petrova and French Open champion Henin-Hardenne facing Dementieva.

The final doubles pairings will depend on the outcome of the singles.

Henin-Hardenne, ranked fourth in the world, was delighted with her battling performance against Petrova, who is considered the best clay-court player at present.

"It was tough after the first set. I fought all the way and it is the only reason I won," she said after battling cramps in the decider.

Meanwhile, Jamea Jackson and Jill Craybas gave an under-strength USA team a commanding lead over hosts Germany in their opening singles matches.

Fed Cup debutant Jackson surprised below-par world number 14 Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-2 3-6 7-5.

Craybas, leading her team in the absence of injured trio Lindsay Davenport, Venus and Serena Williams, saved a match point before securing a 4-6 6-2 7-5 win over Julia Schruff.

Anabel Medina and Lourdes Dominguez gave five-time champions Spain a great start to their tie with Austria.

Medina eased to a 6-3 7-5 victory over Austrian Ivonne Meusburguer, while Dominguez marked her debut with a 7-6 (5) 3-6 6-3 win over Sybille Bammer.

In France, Amelie Mauresmo delighted the home crowd by levelling the scores with a 6-1 6-1 win against Flavia Pennetta of Italy.