The Philippines fought valiantly, but were overpowered by fellow Southeast Asian squad Thailand, 0-2, in the relegation playoff tie of the 2017 Fed Cup Asia-Oceania Group I, Saturday afternoon [Manila Time] at the National Tennis Centre, Astan, Kazakhstan.
World number 278 singles player Peangtarn Plipuech started strong for Thailand in the first singles match. The Thai overpowered young Filipina upstart Khim Iglupas, 6-0, 6-0, in the first singles rubber.
Katharina Lehnert then made it interesting in the second singles match; nonetheless, Luksika Kumkhum stopped the Fil-German and the Philippine dream of staying in the Group in three sets, 6-2, 5-7, 6-3.
The Philippines had earlier lost their pool phase tie against India, 1-2, to be subjected to this must-win pairing.
With the loss, the Philippines will participate in the Group II of the zone come 2018.
