New Delhi: Youngster Ankita Raina played some stunning tennis to give India first win in the Fed Cup on Friday.
She won both her singles matches, then partner women's doubles number one Sania Mirza to give India a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan 3-0 in their Asia-Oceania Zone Group I, Pool A meeting at Hua Hin Centennial Sports Club, in Thailand.
After losing to hosts Thailand 0-3 and Japan 1-2 in their previous matches, India desperately needed a win to boost the morale. And Prerna Bhambri provided a perfect start, beating Sabina Sharipova in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1.
India's top-ranked singles player Raina followed with another convincing win over Nigina Abduraimova, 6-1, 6-0. The 23-year-old then joined hands with celebrated Mirza to beat Akgul Amanmuradova and Arina Folts 6-2, 6-0 in the doubles match to make it a clean sweep for India.
India will play Kazakhstan for fifth-sixth place finish.
India had won promotion in the Asia-Oceania Zone Group II after defeating Philippines 2-1 in the promotion play-off last April.
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