India back in Asia/Oceania zone after loss

New Delhi, April 17

Ankita Raina’s gallant fight ended in defeat again as she went down to world No. 47 Anastasija Sevastova in India’s must-win playoffs match against Latvia in the Billie Jean King Cup today.

After her phenomenal battle against 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko on Friday, the India No. 1 again showed stomach for a fight but Sevastova sealed the match 6-0 7-6 to give Latvia an unassailable 3-0 lead.India had earned promotion to the World Group Play-offs for the first time in the history of the tournament but with this loss they are back in the Asia/Oceania Group.

Ankita was thrashed in the first set but fought back hard to go 5-2 in the second. She had two set points but failed to convert them, and after that, Sevastova reeled off four games in a row and then ran away with the match in the tie-breaker.

The fourth singles match was cancelled. — Agencies