Russian joy in doubles

Russian duo Svetlana Kuznetsova and Vera Zvonareva put their respective singles disappointments behind them by taking out the Australian Open women's doubles title on Friday.

The unseeded pairing of Kuznetsova and Zvonareva, who were both knocked out in the third round of the singles, came from a set down to defeat 11th seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci 5-7 6-4 6-3 in two hours and 18 minutes.

It is Kuznetsova's second Grand Slam doubles title following on from her Australian Open triumph with Alicia Molik in 2005, while Zvonareva is also tasting major success for a second time after winning the US Opn with Nathalie Dechy in 2006.

After each player held their opening services games, there were six successive breaks before Errani finally held to give the Italians the first set.

The Russians broke in the eighth game of the second set, but couldn't consolidate with Errani and Vinci breaking straight back.

However, they too failed to hold their serve as a backhand volley from Kuznetsova levelled the match at a set apiece.

With the momentum behind them, the Russians broke Errani's serve in the second game to take the initiative in the deciding set.

The Italians threw everything at their opponents in the final game with Kuznetsova fighting off five break points before finally clinching the championship on their fourth match point.