Thailand Beats Philippines 2-0 to Remain in Fed Cup Group I
Thailand finally restored their pride to score their first win in the Fed Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group I after beating the Philippines 2-0 in the relegation play-off at the National Tennis Centre in Astana on Saturday.
After losing to South Korea 0-3 and Kazakhstan with the same score in the Pool A stage, Thailand needed to beat the Philippines, who finished bottom in Pool B, in order to maintain their status in Group I next year. And they made it.
Peangtarn Plipuech produced the first point for Thailand, needing just 45 minutes to beat Khim Igulpas with a double bagel 6-0 6-0.
“I was so determined to win the match. I was so focused throughout the entire match, not wasting any point at all,” said Peangtarn after winning her first rubber of the week.
“I was under pressure before the match as this point would give my team a good start. I’m so happy and relieved to get my side in a good momentum. It’s now up to the rest of the team to complete the mission.”
Thai No 1 Luksika Khumkhum then came back from a break down in the final set to beat arch-rival Katharina Lehnert 6-2 5-7 6-3 to propel the Kingdom to the victory.
“I’m happy with the way my teams has been playing this week even with South Korea and Kazakhstan who proved too solid for us. They did a good job to maintain status in Group I. We hope to go back and improve some minor things and come back next year for better results,” said captain Tamarine Tanasugarn.
