Czech Republic secure place in 13th BJK Cup final

The Czech Republic will play its 13th BJK Cup final after eliminating Spain in the last-four tie at Shenzhen. The achievement includes the country’s record from the periods when it competed as Czechoslovakia and when the tournament was known as the Fed Cup. The final is scheduled for Sunday.

Karolina Muchova opened the tie with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The world No. 8 recovered after trailing 4-2 in the first set, then secured the decisive break at 5-5. In the second, she broke twice and completed the victory in one hour and 39 minutes.

Linda Noskova then ended Spain’s challenge by defeating Cristina Bucsa 7-6, 6-2 in 90 minutes. Noskova took the first-set tiebreak 7-5 after twice failing to convert set points in the regular games. Bucsa led 2-1 in the second set, but Noskova won the next five games to seal qualification. The scheduled doubles match involving Muchova and world No. 1 doubles player Katerina Siniakova was not required.

The Czech Republic has lost only one previous final, against the United States in 1996. Its opponent this year will be Italy, the defending champion, or Ukraine, who meet in the other semi-final.