LONDON - Maria Sharapova came to Russia's rescue on her Fed Cup debut to pull the holders level at 1-1 in their world group first-round tie against Israel on Saturday.

Maria Sharapova, seen here has finally got her Fed Cup career off the ground when she pulled defending champions Russia level against Israel in their World Group quarter-final with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Tzipi Obziler. [Agencies]After several aborted attempts in 2007, the Florida-based Sharapova finally donned her native Russia's red and white strip on Saturday to roll over Israel's Tzipi Obziler 6-0 6-4.

The Australian Open champion's win momentarily silenced the capacity 5,000 crowd, who had earlier roared on Israeli number one Shahar Peer to a memorable 0-6 6-2 6-2 victory over Dinara Safina to give the home team an unexpected lead in the tie.

The United States' hopes of ending their longest title drought were dented after Lindsay Davenport's run of 19 consecutive victories in Fed Cup singles matches was snapped by a little-known German teenager.

Sabine Lisicki, ranked 130th, stunned former world number one Davenport 6-1 7-5 to give Germany a shock lead over the U.S., winners a record 17 times but seeking their first title since 2000, in La Jolla, California.

"Lindsay is such a great champion and I just beat her," a beaming Lisicki said courtside. "I am really excited."

Ashley Harkleroad restored order when she overwhelmed Tatjana Malek 6-1 6-3 to level the contest at 1-1.

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