Chinese number two Peng Shuai upset Virginie Razzano 4-6 6-3 6-4 to leave the home team needing to win only one of Sunday's three rubbers to secure their place in the semi-finals.

"The match is not finished for us... I still think we can win three ties tomorrow," defiant French captain Georges Goven said.

On the outskirts of Tel Aviv, world number 17 Peer was initially overcome by the occasion of playing in front of her home fans for the first time and looked to be heading for an embarrassing defeat.

But just when it seemed Safina could barely put a foot wrong with her baseline tactics, Peer was inspired by the roaring crowd packed into the Israel Tennis Centre and unleashed her full repertoire of shots to carve out the win.

"This was perhaps my sweetest comeback, I saw the crowd who had all come to watch us and I know that I could not let them down," Peer said.

Sharapova blocked out the deafening cheers for Obziler to keep up her unbeaten run in 2008.

"I love it... it actually gives me energy, as an athlete this is what I play for and it drives me to do better," the 20-year-old said.

【体坛英语资讯：Sharapova rescues Russia, Davenport upstaged】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears, Justin reunion

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Sarkozys wife hailed as Frances Diana

★ 体坛英语资讯：Trail Blazers hand 12th defeat to slumping Heat

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jolie, Pitt officially adopt Pax Thien

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Witherspoon-Phillippe divorce is final

★ 体坛英语资讯：Djokovic tames Tsonga, Sun crowned with Serbian partner

★ 体坛英语资讯：Another big shots out, coach says worlds lose meaning

★ 体坛英语资讯：O.J. Simpson faces felony charges

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chelsea boss Mourinho leaves club

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Wood plans to cover up Beatles tattoo