The newly-promoted Philippine Fed Cup team received a baptism of fire at the hands of top-ranked Chinese team, 0-3, in their first tie of Pool B action in Asia-Oceania Group I, Wednesday afternoon (Manila time) at the National Tennis Centre, Astana, Kazakhstan.
National University standout Clarice Patrimonio succumbed to China’s Zhang Kai-Lin in the first singles match. The Filipina had difficulty converting his efficient service into points, as the opponent handily won the match, 6-2, 6-2.
Filipino-German Katherina Lehnert fought toe-to-toe in the second singles match, even forcing a tiebreak in the first set. Nonetheless, world #118 singles player Zhu Lin clinched the tie with a two-set grind out, 7-6 (1), 6-4.
The more experienced side then proceeded to sweep the Nationals. as Yang Zhaoxuan and Zhang dominated Lehnert and Khim Iglupas in the doubles rubber, 6-3, 6-2.
The Philippine team will try to do better tomorrow, February 9, against another powerhouse in Japan.
