New Delhi, Apr 23: India booked their Group 1 berth in the Asia-Oceania zone of the Fed Cup women's team tennis competition after emerging 3-0 victors in the group 2 tie at Ariake Park Tennis Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, today. In the final round of the regional qualifiers, India defeated Pacific Oceania 2-1 to claim the top spot in the group, according to information received here. Sixteen-year old Sania Mirza won 6-2 6-0 against Gurianna Korinihona and the experienced Manisha Malhotra accounted for Maylani ah Hoy 6-3 6-2 in the singles matches. The doubles combination of Isha Lakhani and Megha Vakharia gave a walk over to Irene George and Korinihona so as to catch an early flight home in the afternoon. Top two teams from Group 2 replace the two bottom placed teams in Group 1 in the next year's edition. Philippines take on Kyrgyzstan in the group's final round match tomorrow.
The former have a 1-1 win-loss record and a win tomorrow would give them a promotion to Group 1 along with India.
Kyrgyzstan have lost both of their matches so far while Pacific Oceania, who have completed all their engagements, have won one match and lost two. Bureau Report