India makes a winning start at Fed Cup
[Sat Feb , 05:37:30]India made a good start at Fed Cup, Kuala Lumpur winning all three matches - two singles and one doubles - against Singapore in a Group A event on Thursday.
The first match Poojashree played, she defeated Si Ying Julienne Keong with 6-1, 6-1. Poojashree is the No 2 Indian singles player and has made her debut with the Fed Cup. Followed by it, Sania Mirza thrashed Li Yun "Stefanie" Tan 6-2, 6-3 in the second singles. Sanaa Bhambri and Rushmi Chakravathy then beat Clare Fong and Stefanie in two sets 6-0, 6-2 in a not so crucial match to complete the formalities. India trashed Singapore with a 3-0 lead.
India will next take on to the hosts Malaysia to top Group A and qualify to play against the winners of Group B. Last year India was degraded to Group II after losing a tie with Taipeis. However if they won the play-offs, they would get back to Group I. India was without the services of Sania last year. However, she has made a good start this year and the win here might be a good warm up for her after losing in the first round of Australian Open.
A draw against Malaysia, scheduled on Friday will be tough task for Indians. 19-year-old Poojashree will play against veteran Chin Bee Khoo, who won the crucial match to give Malaysia a 2-1 victory over Singapore on Wednesday.
Amongst the other teams at the event, Australia is aiming for Spain in a World Group berth.
