Double defeat for Great Britain

Great Britain endured a disappointing first day of their Fed Cup clash with Sweden in Boras as the hosts took a 2-0 lead.

British numbers one and two Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothavong both fell to straight-sets defeats to leave Judy Murray's team one rubber away from defeat in the World Group II play-off.

Baltacha, the world number 63, went into the opening rubber ranked eight places higher than her opponent Johanna Larsson, but slipped to a 6-1 7-5 defeat. Swedish number one Sofia Arvidsson then swept aside Keothavong, ranked 25 places below her opponent, 6-1 6-4.

Baltacha now has to beat Arvidsson in the third rubber tomorrow to keep alive Britain's hopes of an unlikely victory.

Baltacha had chances in her match, wasting a number of break points when 4-3 up in the second set.

She said on the LTA website: "I'm really disappointed. It's a team event and we're all here for the team, but there's no going to the corner and sulking."

Captain Murray added: "It was very solid performance from the Swedes today. Our players were below par, which they both would say, but tomorrow's another day and there is still all to play for.

"I have big decisions overnight. I have four strong players on my team and I need to think about who would be best placed to play tomorrow. I have to think about freshness and eagerness to play."