The top seeds were forced to come from behind in their quarter-final clash against Venezuela to continue their progression at Russia’s National Tennis Centre in Moscow.

Lady Correa and Patricia Diaz raised the possibility of a shock result after the South American duo beat Italy’s Federica Bacchetta and Giulia Gasparri in straight sets 6-1, 6-3.

Italy responded immediately through Marco Garavini and Matteo Marighella, who coasted to a 6-2, 6-1 win over Ali Colmenares and Ramon Guedez to bring themselves level in the tie.

The result meant the contest would rest on a decisive final match, which saw Garavini and Bacchetta come from a set down to beat Guedez and Diaz 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.

Following their victory, Italy will now face a French side who eased through their last eight encounter against Japan.

Marie Eve Hoarau and Mathilde Hoarau gave France an ideal start as they defeated Misa Miyasaka and Kaori Yanase 6-4, 6-3, before Regis Courtois and Mathieu Porry sealed their progression by overcoming Daisuke Tsuruoka and Naoaki Yamamoto 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Courtois then joined Magalie Garnier to win the third match 6-4, 6-1 against Yamamoto and Yanase.

The hosts were also given cause for celebration as the Russian team cruised to a 3-0 victory over the United States in their quarter-final tie.

The third seeds will now take on Spain in the last four, with their opponents having secured a hard fought 2-1 win over Brazil.

A record total of 33 nations are taking part in the fifth edition of the ITF Beach Tennis World Team Championship

The World Team Championship and the individual ITF Beach Tennis World Championships are the flagship events on the ITF Beach Tennis Tour.

Action in Moscow is due to continue tomorrow.