Thailand Settles at Fourth in Fed Cup

Thailand conceded the first rubber when Kamonwan Buayam lost to Wang Yafan 2-6 7-6 (7-1) 2-6 before Peangtarn Plipuech  lost the second rubber to Asian Games gold medallist Wang Qiang  2-6 6-4 2-6. But Luksika Kumkhum and Peangtarn saved Thailand from a whitewash as they beat Chen Liang and Wang Qiang 5-7 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.

 

 

 

Team captain Pracharapol Khamsaman was content with the result as his initial target was to ensure that his side would remain in Group I next year.

 

 

 

“I’m highly appreciated by the overall performance of our players especially the new comers like Bunyawi Thamchaiwat and Kamonwan Buayam who show no sign of pressure in their first time in the Fed Cup,” Pracharapol said.

 

 

 

“Our players have done amazing jobs by winning the first two ties 6-0 rubbers and came close to finishing atop of Pool A. Unfortunately some other team did not maximize their effort and unbelievably lost one tie which deprived Thailand’s chance of reaching the final. But my players have tried their best,” added Pracharapol.

 

 

 

However the former national player said he planned to find more solid doubles to strengthen the Thai team for next year. Thailand on Friday was tied with Japan in the singles rubbers but had no match for the rival team when it came to the deciding doubles.

 

 

 

“I have to find a good doubles team as the doubles point cannot be taken for granted. I think next year we will have a mixed team of young singles players and experienced doubles players,” Pracharapol said.

 

 

 

In other classification ties, India beat Kazakhstan 3-0 to take the fifth place. South Korea upset Uzbekistan 3-0 in the relegation play-off to land at seventh. Uzbekistan will fall to Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group II next year.

 

 

 

For the final battle for a spot in the World Group II Play-off, Taiwan, winner of Pool B beat Japan, winner of Pool A, 2-1.