Changsha, China – In the opening tie for Pool A of the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I, India cruise past Pacific Oceania with a comfortable 3-0 victory. The tie is played on the clay courts of Moon Island Clay Park.
Rutuja Bhosale got India off to a strong start, defeating Tarani Kamoe of Pacific Oceania 6-0 6-0. The 29 y/o from Fiji, Tarani stood no chance against Asian Games gold medalist Rutuja Bhosale and India were up 1-0 in just 42 mins.
India’s no 1 singles player Ankita Raina was up against 19 y/o Saoirse Breen in the second singles match. Ankita used her experience to defeat Saoirse 6-1 6-3 to help India seal the tie before going into the final doubles match.
With the tie already in India’s favor, all eyes turned to the final doubles match. India’s no 1 doubles player Prarthana Thombare partnered young Shrivalli Rashmikaa and Pacific Oceania was represented by the duo of Mehetia Boosie and Ruby Coffin. The Indians showed amazing class to wrap up the tie with a easy 6-1 6-1 win.
This result puts India in a strong position in Pool A as they look to secure one of the two coveted promotion spots to the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs. India will next take on China tomorrow who defeated Chinese Taipei in their first tie today.
India vs Pacific Oceania – Final Score
- Ankita Raina (IND) d. Saoirse Breen (POC) – 6-1, 6-3
- Prarthana Thombare/Shrivalli Rashmikaa (IND) d. Mehetia Boosie/ Ruby Coffin (POC) – 6-1, 6-1
- Rutuja Bhosale (IND) d. Tarani Kamoe (POC) – 6-0 6-0
The Asia-Oceania Group I for 2024 features six teams – India, hosts China, Chinese Taipei, Pacific Oceania, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea. The format of the tournament will see all the teams play in a round-robin format.
Each tie is a best-of-three affair consisting of two singles and one doubles match. After all ties are over, the top two teams will gain promotion to the play-offs, to be played later this year, while the bottom two teams will be relegated to the Asia/Oceania Group II in 2025.
Last year, India narrowly avoided a drop to Asia/Oceania Group II after finishing fourth.
India last made the play-offs in 2021 but a 3-1 defeat to Latvia in Jurmala ended their hopes of reaching the competition’s qualifiers and playing for a place at the Billie Jean King Cup finals.
