TOKYO (AFP) - Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo outclassed Ai Sugiyama to give France an insurmountable 3-0 lead over Japan and secure a return to the Fed Cup World Group on Sunday.

The 2006 Wimbledon champion needed only 74 minutes to secure a straightforward 6-1, 6-4 victory over the former world doubles number one in the best-of-five contest.

"Obviously I'm happy to win this tie. It's very important to us, to me and to the whole team," said Mauresmo.

Mauresmo, who has never lost to Sugiyama in their previous eight encounters on the tour giving only two sets, was never in trouble, although she was once tied at 4-all in the second set.

"I'm very, very satisfied with the way I played. Right from the beginning I really controlled the points and I was able to read her game pretty well and really make the difference with my serve," said Mauresmo.

"I know from the baseline I was able to move her round. I'm just happy. I think it was a good match."

Sugiyama admitted her backhand was vulnerable, while Mauresmo has a varied range of shots, including effective back-handed slices.

"I was very disappointed that Japan's defeat was decided by my match. I was so frustrated because I had several chances in the second set," said Sugiyama, ranked 37th against Mauresmo's 21st.

"I've had taken some match points against Amelie, but I've never beaten her before. Even when I hit some good backhand shots, I couldn't attack when she sent the ball to my forehand. I was always slow," added Sugiyama.

On Saturday, Mauresmo overwhelmed up-and-coming teenager Ayumi Morita 6-0, 6-2, while Japan Open champion Virginie Razzano fended off a late challenge by Sugiyama 6-1, 7-5.

France also beat Japan 5-0 in last year's World Group first round tie in Limoges, France. In eight Fed Cup meetings they have only lost once to Japan, in 1973.

France were in the relegation play-offs after surprisingly going down 3-2 to China in February. Mauresmo was not playing in that tie.