The Philippines kept its place in the Group II Asia/Oceania at the promotional playoffs of the 2015 Fed Cup season on Saturday, April 18, at the SAAP Tennis Complex, Hyderabad, India.
The Nationals dropped the deciding match of the promotional tie against India, who played world-class doubles specialist Sania Mirza. The hosts led early as Prarthana Thombare won the first singles match against Anna Clarice Patrimonio, 6-3 6-1.
Philippines Katharina Lehnert forced a decider after taking the second singles match against Ankita Raina in three gruelling sets, 2-6 7-5 7-5. Thombare and Mirza sent India back to Group I in the crucial doubles match with a win against Patrimonio and Lehnert in straight sets, 6-3 6-3.
Breaking the Indonesian curse
Philippines entered into this promotional tie after winning their earlier playoff tie against Indonesia, 2-1. This ended the country’s winless streak against their neighbors.
Lavinia Tananta got the first singles match for Indonesia as she cruised past Patrimonio, 6-3 6-1. Lehnert won the following singles match against Deria Nur Haliza to also force a rubber match.
The Filipinas moved on to the match up against India after Patrimonio and Lehnert survived the marathon doubles match against Tananta and Ayu-Fani Damayanti.
With the results, the Philippines stay in the same group.
*File photo of Philippine Fed Cup Team member Clarice Patrimonio
MORE PHILIPPINE TENNIS NEWS:
FED CUP: Philippines crush Singapore, advances to promotional tie in Fed Cup
IPTL: Manila Mavericks draft Serena Williams, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
DAVIS CUP: Philippines moves on to second round of Davis Cup
UAAP WOMEN’S TENNIS: NU sweeps UST, takes back-to-back title
UAAP MEN’S TENNIS: NU Bulldogs clinch three-peat, dispatch UST in Finals
