Team India continued its dream run in the Asia/Oceania Group I of the Billie Jean King Cup, clinching their third straight victory, this time overpowering Chinese Taipei 2-1 in a thrilling tie.
With earlier wins over Hong Kong and Thailand, India now stands second in the group table, trailing only unbeaten New Zealand.
Vaidehi Leads the Charge Once Again
India’s No.1 Vaidehi Chaudhari showed immense grit and maturity, overcoming Fang An Lin in a pulsating three-setter:
6-2, 5-7, 6-4.
After a commanding start, Vaidehi dropped the second set due to some unforced errors under pressure. But she regrouped strongly in the decider, moving Fang around the court and showing excellent composure at the net to secure the opening point for India.
Shrivalli Seals the Deal
The in-form Shrivalli Bhamidipaty then stepped up and delivered under pressure yet again. Facing the experienced Joanna Garland, she held her nerve in a tense second set tiebreak to claim victory:
6-2, 7-6(3).
Her heavy groundstrokes and consistent returns proved too much for Garland, ensuring that India won the tie even before the doubles match.
Doubles Duo Falls, But Tie Secured
India fielded Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare in the doubles rubber, where they went down in a tight contest against Yi Tsen and Fang-Hsien:
2-6, 6-4, 6-10.
Despite the loss, the tie was already sealed in India’s favour thanks to the stellar singles performances.
Standings Update
India now holds a 3-1 record in the group, with seven match wins out of a possible 12 – trailing only New Zealand who have remained unbeaten so far.
Group Standings (After 4 Ties):
- New Zealand: 4W-0L (8/4)
- India: 3W-1L (7/4)
- Thailand: 2W-2L (7/5)
- Korea, Republic: 2W-2L (8/4)
- Hong Kong, China: 1W-3L (3/9)
- Chinese Taipei: 0W-4L (2/9)
Next Up: South Korea – A Shot at Promotion
India’s final tie is against South Korea. A win in that crucial tie could potentially secure promotion to the Play-Offs, depending on the outcome of the New Zealand tie. With Vaidehi and Shrivalli in red-hot form, India has every reason to believe.
Key Takeaways:
- Vaidehi & Shrivalli are undefeated in singles in the last three ties.
- Team chemistry & confidence are peaking at the right time.
- Doubles could use more consistency, but India has made a serious statement this week.
