India qualify for play-off tie in Fed Cup

India earned the opportunity to get promotion to Asia/Oceania Group I of the Fed Cup after qualifying for the play-off tie, following a 2-1 win over Phillipines in the last round-robin tie in Shenzhen on Friday.

India ended on top in Pool B and will now fight it out with Pool A winner Hong Kong tomorrow for a place in Group I in next year's competition.

India have won all the ties so far but lost a match when Prerna Bhambri was undone 6-3, 4-6, 2-6 by Anna Clarice Patrimonio.

Earlier, Rutuja Bhonsle had won the round one 6-2, 6-3 against Tamitha Nguyen to give India a 1-0 lead.

Experienced pair of Sania Mirza and Isha Lakhani then routed Patrimonio and Nguyen 6-0 6-1 in the deciding third round to ensure India end on top of the table.

Earlier, India had blanked Iran Oman and Turkmenistan with an identiacla 3-0 margin in pool rubbers.

India were relegated to Group II last year after losing all pool rubbers and the play-off tie against Chinese Taipei.