Pierce doubtful for Fed Cup

NICE, July 10: France8217;s top women8217;s player Mary Pierce is doubtful for the Fed Cup World Group semi-final tie against Belgium this weekend.Pierce, ranked ninth in the world, is suffering the same pains in her arm which troubled her at Wimbledon.

8220;We8217;re following Mary8217;s development on a daily basis,8221; French team captain Yannick Noah said on Thursday. A final decision will be made shortly before tomorrow8217;s draw.

Noah gave his team an even chance of beating the Belgians, who sprang a surprise with a 5-0 rout of Spain in the first round in March.8220;Between the two teams I think it8217;s 50-50. And that8217;s not just a way of handling the pressure to say that. I really think it will be a balanced match,8221; said Noah.