MOSCOW — Defending champion Russia secured a spot in the Fed Cup semifinals by taking a 3-0 lead over China on Sunday after Anna Chakvetadze defeated Yan Zi 6-1, 6-2 in the first reverse singles.

Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Dementieva won the opening singles Saturday, beating Yan and Zhang Shuai, respectively.

Russia has won four Fed Cup titles in the past five years and hasn't lost at home since hosting France in 2003.

Russia will play Italy on April 25-26.

Kuznetsova was set to play Zhang in the second reverse singles, but team captains could change their nominations.