Do-or-die for Thailand in Fed Cup today
Thailand suffered a shock defeat to South Korea 1-2 and must win today’s play-off against Hong Kong to avoid relegation in the Fed Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group I tie in New Delhi.
Playing their last preliminary round in pool B on Friday, Thailand lost the first rubber when Nicha Lertpitaksinchai went down to Sunam Jeong 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 0-6 before Luksika Kumkhum, despite a back injury, put the Kingdom back on track by defeating Na-Lae Han 6-0 2-6 7-5.
Nicha Lertpitaksinchai
However, Luksika and Peangtarn Plipuech were stunned by Han and Na Ri Kim 7-5 6-7 (3-7) 3-6 in the deciding rubber which meant Thailand would finish third in the pool and must play Hong Kong, fourth placed in pool A, on Saturday.
“Our players tried hard already. Only a few mistakes made the difference. We will try to beat Hong Kong which is very crucial,” said Thai captain Wittaya Samrej.
Luksika Kumkhum
Japan finish first in the pool and will play Kazakhstan, pool A winner, for a spot in the World Group II play-off. South Korea settled at second and will remain in zonal group I next year.
Thailand have never been relegated to zonal group II and must beat Hong Kong to maintain the record.
