Two-time defending champions Italy seized control of their Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Japan on Friday with Jasmine Paolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto giving the hosts a 2-0 lead.
Ukraine were also 2-0 up against hosts Poland with world number seven Elina Svitolina and 27th-ranked Marta Kostyuk winning their singles rubbers in the southern city of Gliwice.
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