Thailand to face Taiwan
[TENNIS] Thailand advanced into the knockout stage of the Fed Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Group I tie after ending their Pool A round-robin series engagements with a 2-1 win over South Korea yesterday in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The victory meant that Thailand were tied with Uzbekistan on points after recording three wins and a loss in four matches. But the Thais' better win-loss record of 19-11 sets against their rivals' 17-11 propelled the Kingdom to the top of the standings and earned them a date with Pool B winners Taiwan today. It was a must-win match for Thailand, and they drew first blood when Montinee Tangphong beat South Korean Cho Eun-hye 6-2 6-3. Tamarine Tanasugarn led her team to victory, beating Mi Yoo 6-3 6-4. Tamarine later teamed up with Napaporn Tongsalee in the meaningless doubles match and went down to Jin A-lee and Mi 6-4 6-2. "This is beyond our target. All credit to our players who put in their best in every match they played," Thai skipper Vittaya Samrej said. "Against Taiwan, it will be very tough because they are stronger and have better experience. But we have nothing to lose and will give them a good fight,'' he added.
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