India kickstarted their campaign at the Billie Jean King Cup with a 2-1 win over Thailand in an Asia-Oceania Group 1 tie at the Mahalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex in Pune on Wednesday.
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty gave India the early lead by getting the better of Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee 6-2, 6-4. Playing only her second game in Indian colours, Shrivalli finished the match in an hour and 15 minutes.
Thailand drew parity after Sahaja Yamalapalli retired hurt while trailing 0-1 in the third set to Mananchaya Sawangkaew. Mananchaya won the first set 6-3 and Sahaja clinched the second set 7-6 [7-3].
With all to play for in the doubles game, the experienced Indian duo of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare warded off Peangtarn Plipuech and Patcharin Cheapchandej 7-6, 3-6, 10-3. The match lasted an hour and 55 minutes.
India will next face Hong Kong on Thursday.
In other results, New Zealand beat Korea Republic 2-1, while Hong Kong edged past Chinese Taipei 2-1.
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