Daijiworld Media Network – Pune
Pune, Apr 12: Youngsters Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Vaidehi Chaudhari led India to a crucial 2-1 victory over Chinese Taipei on Friday, propelling the hosts closer to a playoff spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1. This marks India's third consecutive win, lifting them to second place in the points table of the prestigious tournament, organized by MSLTA in association with ITF, AITA, and PMDTA.
Vaidehi Chaudhari continued her strong performance, securing her second consecutive win in as many matches. In a thrilling encounter against Fang An Lin, the Indian star, ranked 351 in singles, dominated the first set but saw her opponent force a deciding set. Despite the challenge, Vaidehi responded confidently, clinching a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory in 2 hours and 9 minutes, giving India an early 1-0 lead.
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty extended her perfect record in the tournament, securing her fourth straight win. Facing Joanna Garland, ranked 207, Shrivalli showcased her skill and determination. Despite a tight second set, Shrivalli sealed the match with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) win in 2 hours and 38 minutes, ensuring the hosts clinched the tie.
In the final match, Chinese Taipei’s doubles pairing of Yi Tsen Cho and Fang-Hsein Wu outlasted the experienced Indian duo of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare. The Indian pair fought back after dropping the first set but fell short in the super tie break, losing 2-6, 6-4, 6-10 in 1 hour and 31 minutes.
India now turns its focus to their final match against the Korea Republic on Saturday (April 12), where a win will secure their spot in the playoffs.
The tournament is powered by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare (Maharashtra).
Other results:
New Zealand 2-1 Thailand
Monique Barry (NZL) bt Patcharin Cheapchandej (THA): 7-5, 6-2 (1 hr 20 mins)
Lulu Sun (NZL) bt Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA): 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 (2hrs 14 mins)
Peangtarn Plipuech and Thasaporn Naklo (THA) bt Renne Zhang and Sasha Situe (NZL): 6-3, 6-3 (1 hr 1 min)
Korea Republic 3-0 Hong Kong, China
Sohyun Park (KOR) bt Ho Ching Wu (HKG): 6-1, 6-1 (1hr 7 mins)
Dayeon Park (KOR) bt Hong Yi Cody Wong (HKG): 6-3, 7-5 (1hr 33 mins)
Dabin Kim and Sohyun Park (KOR) bt Eudice Chong and Man Ying Maggie Ng (HKG): 6-4, 6-1 (52 mins)