Italy won its fourth Fed Cup title Sunday, sweeping past a Russian team that was without any of its top players because of injuries and scheduling conflicts

Italy won its fourth Fed Cup title Sunday, sweeping past a Russian team that was without any of its top players because of injuries and scheduling conflicts. Josey Jewell Broncos Jersey . No. 7-ranked Sara Errani cruised past Alisa Kleybanova before Flavia Pennetta and Karin Knapp won the doubles. Errani needed less than an hour to win 6-1, 6-1 against the No. 183-ranked Kleybanova, who has only recently returned to the circuit following treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma. Pennetta and Knapp beat newcomers Margarita Gasparyan and Irina Khromacheva 4-6, 6-2, 10-4. "Its down to a marvelous team and above all the fact that we are always united," Errani said. "We are very happy. It was a very good week for us. I am happy with how I played today." Italy was favoured after Russia travelled without any of its top players, some because of injuries and a scheduling conflict with the season-ending Tournament of Champions in Bulgaria. However, Roberta Vinci and Errani struggled at times before beating Fed Cup debutants Alexandra Panova and Khromacheva, respectively, on a difficult opening day Saturday to give Italy a commanding lead. Panova was scheduled to play Errani but Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev opted to replace her with the more experienced Kleybanova. The 24-year-old, who was ranked 20th before her battle with cancer, was given a warm reception as she walked onto the court. Errani, who dropped just two games and earned five breaks. A stunning drop-volley handed Errani two match points and although Kleybanova saved one, she netted a volley on the second. "I knew I had to play yesterday after the two matches," Kleybanova said. "But there was no sort of pressure on me. I tried to do my best, but this is the first official match Ive played on clay since 2011. I tried to do my best but Sara was really in form. "(Corrado) Barazzutti is a captain who really understands his role. Hes certainly one of the best. And the girls are really close to each other. They have so much respect." Italy is now tied with Russia with four Fed Cup titles, one behind Spain. The United States leads with 13, followed by Australia and Czech Republic with seven titles. Captain Corrado Barazzutti tied Vicky Berner, Billie Jean King and Miguel Margets with four titles as captain. "Sara was as ever a real champion," he said. "They were all brilliant and I have to thank everyone who contributed to this project and this success." Courtland Sutton Broncos Jersey . -- Theres something about playing on Orlandos floor lately that seems to bring out the best in the Dallas Mavericks. Bradley Chubb Jersey . -- LeBron James warned the Orlando Magic to stop double-teaming him and ignoring James Jones. http://www.broncosproauthentic.com/Black-Friday-Royce-Freeman-Jersey/ . According to a report from ESPN, the Green Bay Packers have re-signed the cornerback to a four-year, $39 million deal with a $12.Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca! Dear Mr. Fraser: Love the column! The amount of hockey rules I have learned from Cmon Ref! is unreal, keep it up! Now heres my question. Near the end of the second period of the Oilers-Jets season-opening game, a fight broke out between Luke Gazdic and Chris Thorburn. I noticed that while gaining positional advantage in the fight, it appeared that Gazdic knocked off his own helmet. My understanding is that if you take off your own helmet (recently exploited by a couple of quick-witted tough guys) you will get a two-minute minor on top of the five-minute fighting major. In my opinion, the helmet was already falling off and Gazdic was having issues with his vision. Seeing as this is a new rule and its gotten some criticism, could you maybe shed some light on how it works and why these loopholes seem to be appearing? Thanks,Jordan BarrassEdmonton, AB Jordan: Thank you for being a regular student in the Cmon Ref classroom where the learning never stops for all of us! The overriding spirit and intent of rule 46.6 is to provide an element of safety to players that engage in fisticuffs. In "staged" fights or where a challenge is issued and combat is mutually agreed upon by heavyweights the removal of helmets (and elbow pads) can even provide bad optics in the marketing of the game beyond just the obvious safety issues. Taking an additional two minute penalty (removing helmet) or the potential for breaking a hand by punching a helmet and visor might (and I stress "might") act as some form of deterrent to fighting in general for some. The black and white oof rule 46. Tramaine Brock Jersey. reads: "No player may remove his helmet prior to engaging in a fight. If he should do so, he shall be assessed a two minute minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Helmets that come off in the course of and resulting form the altercation will not result in a penalty to either player." The language of the rule is very clear that the minor penalty applies when a player removes his helmet prior to engaging in a fight! Luke Gazdic and Chris Thorburn were fully engaged in close quarters when Gazdic was bent over by Thornburn and placed in a vulnerable position. Perhaps Gazdic felt his helmet was restricting him in some way or was falling off as you suggest Jordan. For whatever reason, Gazdic quickly flipped off his helmet in one quick motion in the course of and resulting from the altercation as the exemption in the rule states. This, like all new rules, will be closely monitored by the Hockey Operations, Officiating Department and Player Safety personnel. If players do things deliberately to circumvent the spirit of the rule, adjustments will be made and the Officials standard enforcement will be altered. "Loopholes" are already being closed. Direction has been given for the Officials to assess minor penalties where opposing players grab onto chin straps and remove each others helmet in an obvious ploy to circumvent the rule. There will be growing pains in this rule and others that will be addressed as this young season progresses