Spain lead Israel in semi-finals

Champions Spain opened up a 2-0 first-day lead over Israel in their Davis Cup semi-final thanks to singles wins from Juan Carlos Ferrero and David Ferrer.

Ferrero thumped Dudi Sela 6-4 6-2 6-0 after Ferrer had earlier thrashed Harel Levy 6-1 6-4 6-3 in Murcia, Spain.

Croatia are hosting the Czech Republic in the other semi-final.

Meanwhile, Roger Federer eased to a 6-3 6-4 6-1 win over Italian Simone Bolelli to help Switzerland into a 2-0 first-day lead in their World Group play-off.

Federer had only just flown back to Europe following his five-set defeat by Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in Monday's US Open final.

If Switzerland win the play-off they will retain their place in the World Group but if Italy stage a comeback they will replace the Swiss in the top tier of the competition.

Israel, meanwhile, must win their remaining three rubbers against Spain to progress through to December's final.

Spain are without injured top-10 pair Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco but that mattered little with Ferrer and Ferrero doing the business in front of a boisterous home crowd.

"It certainly wasn't as comfortable a win as it might have looked," said Ferrer.

Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez are due to take on doubles specialists Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram on Saturday. Link...