New Delhi: Ankita Raina prevailed over her rival in a long-drawn dog-fight after Karman Kaur Thandi’s impressive win as India retained their place in the Asia/Oceania Group I in the Fed Cup after beating Chinese Taipei 2-0 in the relegation Play-off here, Saturday.
Rising to the occasion, Karman produced a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 win over a crafty Lee Pei-Chi to hand India a 1-0 lead in the do-or-die tie. Ankita then ran into a wily left-hander Chieh-Yu Hsu 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 after an energy-sapping two hour and 54 minutes to ensure that India remain in the Group I.
Ankita, playing the tennis of her life, remained unbeaten in her singles matches in the competition, winning all her four matches. Running into an opponent who, being a left-hander, fed Ankita a lot of angled balls to her backhand, the Indian girl had to re-work strategy as she was unable to hit the balls deep.
With almost every ball coming back and no free points available, Ankita had to dig deep to find a way in breaking the solid defence of her opponent. To Ankita’s credit she kept herself in the match with perseverance.
Earlier, Lee not only struck the balls hard and clean but also was very crafty. She stayed in control of the points on her serve, making it hard for the local girl Karman. Karman served well on the slower show court and perhaps had her best serving day of the competition. Her serve came good on crucial points, which was a key factor in her victory.
At a glance
Ankita Raina bt Chieh-Yu Hsu 6-4, 5-7, 6-1
Karman Kaur bt Lee Pei-Chi 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
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