Shenzhen, September 17 (HS): Defending champions Italy stormed into the semifinals of the Billie Jean King Cup after defeating hosts China 2-0 in a high-voltage quarterfinal clash on Tuesday.

World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini sealed Italy’s victory with a hard-fought comeback win over Wang Xinyu, edging past the Chinese star 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. Paolini was trailing 3-5 in the second set but rallied spectacularly to force a tiebreak, which she claimed before holding her nerve in the decider to clinch the tie.

Earlier in the day, Elisabetta Cocciaretto stunned Yuan Yue with a gritty performance, battling back from the brink in a dramatic three-setter. Cocciaretto overcame a one-set deficit and twice recovered from 0-4 down in the final set to prevail 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 after nearly three hours of play.

Both singles encounters stretched to about three hours each, showcasing Italy’s resilience under pressure.

Italy will face the winner of the Spain vs. Ukraine quarterfinal, scheduled for Wednesday, in the last-four stage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar