In a Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Americas Zone Group I tie in Lambare, Paraguay on Thursday, the Miele Canadian  Fed Cup team defeated Puerto Rico and came one step closer to taking part in a World Group II playoff, playing as brilliantly as they had the day before.

For a second straight day and despite the difficult clay court conditions at the Yacht y Golf Club Paraguayo, the Canadians won their three matches of the day and continued to reign over Group A. Standing in for Stéphanie Dubois who is out with a hand injury, Sharon Fichman (Toronto, Ont.) gave Canada its edge, ousting Monica Puig (6-2, 7-5). The win marked Fichman’s third Fed Cup singles victory since she joined the team in 2005.

Later, Aleksandra Wozniak (Blainville, QC) also won her match, easily disposing of Jessica Roland-Rosario in two sets (6-2, 6-2).  

“I love playing for Canada. It’s very motivating to hear my teammates cheering me on,' said Wozniak after her victory. "Playing Fed Cup tennis gives me the confidence I need for the rest of the season on the Tour.”

Fichman and Marie-Ève Pelletier (Repentigny, QC), Canada’s highest-ranked doubles player, then won the closing match 6-0, 6-1 against Rocio Portela and Gabriela Vazquez.

On Friday, the Canadian Miele Fed Cup team will attempt to consolidate its place atop Group A against Brazil. The matches are set to begin at noon PYST, and victory would give Canada a spot in the final against the winner of Group B.

During Tuesday’s draw ceremony, the participating nations were divided into two groups (four nations in Group A, four nations in Group B) for round-robin action. The winners of each group will then face off for the chance to take part in the World Group II qualifying round in April 2010. The two lowest ranking teams will be sent to Group II of the Americas Zone in 2011. Visit www.fedcup.com for all of the latest results from the other ties.

Click here to listen to a conference call with Aleksandra Wozniak after Canada's win on Thursday.