Zhang, Zheng propel China at United Cup
China had a spectacular United Cup debut on Saturday after defeating the Czech Republic 3-0 in Perth, as Zhang Zhizhen and Zheng Qinwen recorded impressive victories in their singles matches. Zheng clinched China's victory in Group E by upsetting reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, 6-1, 2-6, 6-1, in a captivating performance in the women's singles match. In a match filled with wild swings of momentum, 21-year-old Zheng continued to cement her status as a rising star on the women's circuit after prevailing in one hour and 48 minutes.  World No. 15 Zheng started strongly by winning 12 of the first 13 points before wrapping up the first set in clinical fashion. Zheng appeared to be running away with the contest after an early break in the second set, but No. 7 Vondrousova mustered her Grand Slam winning pedigree and dictated the rallies to draw level.  Zheng regrouped and rediscovered her aggressive form in a barnstorming finish to emerge victorious in their first head-to-head. Zhang had earlier made more history for China by winning the country's first United Cup match, beating Jiri Lehecka 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 20 minutes in the mixed team tennis tournament. Zhang, ranked No. 58, initially struggled to counter big-serving Lehecka, who is ranked No. 31. But Zhang started to unleash his pinpoint accurate backhand to devastating effect and eventually took control of a contest marked by heavy-hitting on the baseline.  Zhang and Zheng completed China's strong performance by taking out the mixed doubles over Lehecka and Vondrousova, 6-1, 6-2 in just under an hour. China will next face the formidable challenge from a Novak Djokovic-led Serbia on Sunday. (Xinhua)