NICE, July 10: France's top women's player Mary Pierce is doubtful for the Fed Cup World Group semi-final tie against Belgium this weekend.Pierce, ranked ninth in the world, is suffering the same pains in her arm which troubled her at Wimbledon.

``We're following Mary's development on a daily basis,'' French team captain Yannick Noah said on Thursday. A final decision will be made shortly before tomorrow's draw.

Noah gave his team an even chance of beating the Belgians, who sprang a surprise with a 5-0 rout of Spain in the first round in March.``Between the two teams I think it's 50-50. And that's not just a way of handling the pressure to say that. I really think it will be a balanced match,'' said Noah.

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