India continued their impressive run at the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hong Kong, China, on Thursday evening. The tournament, hosted by MSLTA in collaboration with the ITF, AITA, and PMDTA, is currently underway at the Mahalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex in Pune, according to an official release.
India got off to a perfect start on Day 3 thanks to Vaidehi Chaudhari, who delivered a strong debut performance in her first match of the tournament. The young talent from Ahmedabad battled through a tense opening set against Ho Ching Wu, edging out her opponent in a closely contested tiebreak 10-8. She then dominated the second set to seal a 7-6 (10-8), 6-1 win in 2 hours and 3 minutes, giving India a 1-0 lead in the tie.
In the second singles match, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty continued her stellar form, extending her unbeaten run in the tournament. Facing a determined Hong Yi Cody Wong, Shrivalli claimed the first set in a tiebreak (8-6) but dropped the second as her opponent mounted a strong comeback. The Indian, however, regrouped in the decider to secure a 7-6, 2-6, 6-3 win in 2 hours and 27 minutes, sealing the tie for India at 2-0.
The doubles rubber saw India’s experienced duo of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare take on Eudice Chong and Hong Yi Cody Wong. Despite taking the first set in a tiebreak, the Indian pair couldn’t hold off the spirited Hong Kong, China team, who bounced back to win 6-7, 6-3, 13-11 in a gripping final set super tiebreak.
India are now set to face Chinese Taipei in their next tie. The tournament is being supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare, Maharashtra.
(With ANI inputs)
