SHENZHEN, China (Reuters) -An inspired Italy successfully defended their Billie Jean King Cup with a 2-0 victory over record 18-times champions the United States on Sunday, taking their own tally in the premier women’s team competition to six titles.

Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini won their singles matches to help their country triumph in Shenzhen and prolonged the American wait for another title after their previous success in 2017.

World number eight Paolini’s 6-4 6-2 victory was her maiden win in her sixth clash with Jessica Pegula and helped Italy become the first team to capture back-to-back titles since the Czech Republic lifted three straight trophies from 2014-16.

The 29-year-old edged a tight first set by firing a backhand rocket that broke the seventh-ranked Pegula

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