Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare win it for India against Thailand

Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare secure victory for India in decisive doubles against Thailand in tennis championship.

Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare combined remarkably well to beat Peangtarn Plipuech and Patcharin Cheapchandej 7-6(3), 3-6, [10-3] in the decisive doubles against Thailand in the Asia-Oceania Billie Jean King Cup women’s tennis championship at the Balewadi Stadium on Wednesday.

After having lost 1-2 to New Zealand in the first tie, it was an admirable recovery by India, especially after Sahaja Yamalapalli had to retire with a bout of cramps early in the third set in the second rubber against Mananchaya Sawangkaew.

It was high quality entertainment for the sparse gathering, as Ankita and Prarthana handled the energetic Thais, with assurance, especially in the super tie-break, racing away to set up six match points, and closing it out without any further drama.

Earlier, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty gave further evidence of her strong all-round game and a sound temparament as she wriggled out of a tight situation in the second set to beat the 170tth ranked Lanlana Tararudee 6-2, 6-4. Shrivalli trailed 2-4 in the second set, but turned it around by winning the next four games.

Sahaja Yamalapalli fought hard, till she was downed by a bout of cramps early in the third set when she had to retired. It was a gutsy fare from her that she won the second set tie-break, after having failed to serve out that set in the tenth and 12th games.

Manachanaya Sawangkaew was indeed very crafty, and made Sahaja work for every point.

Meanwhile, world No.41 Lulu Sun continued to make her presence felt for New Zealand, as she once again won her singles and doubles matches, to pull the Kiwis to their second 2-1 victory, past Korea.