MOSCOW, July 9 (RIA Novosti) -Russia is in the lead in the semi-final of the Federation Cup between the ladies' tennis teams of Russia and the United States, which is being held in Moscow's Olimpiiski sports complex. On Saturday Dementyeva beat America's Mashona Washington 7:5, 6:4, Russia winning two points. Earlier today Anastasiya Myskina beat Venus Williams 5:7, 6:4, 6:2.

On Sunday the players will exchange opponents.

Vera Dushevina and Dinara Safina will cross rackets with Venus Williams and Corina Morariu to crown the semi-final.