Pune, April 12 (H.S.): Team India advanced towards playoff qualification in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 by defeating Chinese Taipei 2-1,with young talents Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Vaidehi Chaudhari. This victory marked their third in a row, moving them to second place in the tournament held in Pune.

It was another successful performance for Vaidehi Chaudhary, who secured her second win against Feng En Lin in two matches this time. The Indian star, ranked 351st, dominated the first set, but her opponent forced a decisive set. However, Vaidehi responded brilliantly and ultimately won 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in 2 hours and 9 minutes. Her victory gave India a 1-0 lead in this crucial match.

In the second match, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty maintained her impressive record in the tournament with another win. She achieved her fourth consecutive victory in a tough contest against Joanna Garland, who is ranked 207th. Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, one of India’s most promising stars ranked 304th, dominated the first set and ultimately finished the match with a score of 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) in 2 hours and 38 minutes.

In the final match of the day, the Chinese Taipei doubles pair of Yi Tsen Cho and Feng-Hsin Wu defeated the Indian duo of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare. After losing the first set, the experienced Indian pair made a comeback to win the second set. Unfortunately, the hosts could not complete a clean sweep in the super tiebreak, ultimately losing with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-10 in 1 hour and 31 minutes.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar