Russia easily recaptured the Fed Cup title from last year's surprise winners Italy by thrashing it 4-0 in the Moscow final over the weekend.

Even without Maria Sharapova, who was nursing a shoulder injury, the Russians, led by world No 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova and fifth-ranked Anna Chakvetadze, were too strong for the Italians, who do not have anyone in the top 24.

Despite the injury, Sharapova, who has yet to play for Russia in the Fed Cup, arrived in Moscow last week amid the usual fanfare, saying she wanted to give her support.

The world No 4, clad in the Russian team outfit, was seen exuberantly cheering her team mates during the two-day tie, then joined them for a victory lap around the court holding a big Russian flag.

But despite her efforts, the Siberian-born player was given the cold shoulder by the rest of the team.

Maria Sharapova reacts as she watches the Fed cup final between Russia and Italy.

Most of the local media also saw the hoopla surrounding Sharapova's visit as nothing more than a PR campaign, designed to boost her goodwill image in Russia.

The Florida-based 20-year-old has never made a secret of her desire to play in the Olympics and for that she must make herself available for Fed Cup duty.

Kuznetsova, who replaced Sharapova as Russian No 1 last week after reaching the US Open final, questioned her motives for coming to Moscow.

"To be honest, I don't know why she came," the St Petersburg native, who has never been the best of friends with Sharapova, told Russian media on the eve of the tie.

"What's the point of coming here all the way from America if you can't play? She said she wanted to help our preparation and be our practice partner but, to me, if you can't play how then can you practice? It just doesn't make sense."

After clinching victory for Russia on Sunday, Kuznetsova again was asked about Sharapova's presence.

"Oh please, don't ask me that question again," she snapped back. "I had enough already."

Chakvetadze was even more frank.

"If you haven't played Fed Cup all year, it wouldn't be fair just to show up for the final," she said. "It's not fair to all the other girls who committed themselves to the team's cause."

Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev tried to play down the row within the team, however.

"I don't pay attention to all that talk. All top players have personal egos, in fact they wouldn't be top players if they didn't have one," he said.

While Sharapova must still convince her teammates of her true desire to play for Russia, she did score important points with the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

"Her presence in Moscow certainly didn't hurt," an ITF official said on Sunday. "She was injured and couldn't play, but by being here she clearly demonstrated her commitment to the Fed Cup and that will certainly enhance her chances (of playing at next year's Olympics)."

(China Daily via Agencies September 19, 2007)