Thailand Blanked by South Korea 0-3
Thailand’s hope of advancing to the Saturday’s play-off looked slim after losing to South Korea 0-3 in their Fed Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group I tie in Astana on Thursday.
Competing in Pool A, Thailand lost the first point when Kim Na Ri beat Peangtarn Plipuech 6-4 6-3 in just 73 minutes before Thai No 1 Luksika Kumkhum went down to Su Jeong Jang 7-5 2-6 2-6 in the second rubber after two hours and 30 minutes of play. Thailand later lost the third point after Peangtarn and Nicha Lertpitaksinchai went down to Na-Lae Han and Kim Na Ri 2-6 3-6.
Peangtarn and Nicha
Thailand must beat top seed Kazakhstan 3-0 to ensure a spot in the play-off against top team from Pool B. Kazakhstan beat South Korea 2-1 in the first preliminary round on Wednesday. But it will be a tough assignment for the Kingdom up against the host team which features world No 46 Yaroslava Shvedova who is also doubles Grand Slam champion.
“I have to give credits to the South Korean team as they came up with a good game plan. They played aggressive tennis and finished the points easily which kept our players off rhythm,” said Thai captain Tamarine Tanasugarn.
“We tried to change the game plan but they still caught up with us. They played solid tennis which is their signature,” the captain said.
However Tamarine hoped Thailand would beat the odds to accomplish the mission impossible against the host.
“We have been prepared for tough competition coming to the Fed Cup. I still believe in the ability of my players. AS long as we are still in the tournament, there’s still hope.”
