Russia eliminate defending champions France from Billie Jean King Cup

France crashed out of the Billie Jean King Cup on Wednesday after a second defeat in the competition.

Russia, who saw off Canada 3-0 on Tuesday, beat the defending champions 2-1 to top Group A and advance to the semi finals.

In the opening singles rubber at the O2 Arena in Prague, Clara Burel upset the form book to beat Ekaterina Alexandrova.

The world number 77 lost the opening set against a player r