Slovakia powered to victory over Sweden in the Hopman Cup mixed teams tennis tournament in Perth, Australia, yesterday.

Karina Habsudova and Karol Kucera both won their singles matches in straight sets to give the Slovaks an unassailable 2-0 lead before the mixed doubles were played.

Habsudova, ranked 29th in the world, did not allow a power blackout to stand in her way as she defeated Asa Carlsson, ranked 45th, 6-3 6-3 in the women's singles. Kucera, the world number 24, then won 6-4 6-4 in his men's singles against Thomas Enqvist.

The Slovak pair's victory keeps alive their hopes of qualifying for the final of the tournament on Saturday.

Earlier, world number seven Mary Pierce and Cedric Pioline carried France to a convincing victory over Germany. Both won their singles clashes to give France, the number two seeds, an unbeatable 2-0 lead even before the start of the mixed doubles.

After losing her opening set against Anke Huber, Pierce stormed back to win the next two in the women's singles, triumphing 4-6 6-4 6-3. Pioline, 20th in the world, then overcame Tommy Haas, ranked 41st, 6-4 6-4.