RK Khanna Stadium News

Ankita Raina prevailed over her rival in a long-drawn dog-fight after Karman Kaur Thandi's impressive win as India retained their place in the Asia/Oceania Group I in the Fed Cup after beating Chinese Taipei 2-0 in the relegation Play-off on Saturday.

Ankita Raina continued her top form with a fluent win after Karman Kaur Thandi's erratic victory as India took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Hong Kong in the Fed Cup, here on Friday.

India lost 1-2 to Kazakhstan in a Pool A tie of the Federation Cup tennis tournament on Thursday. The Indians are now out of contention for a place in the World Group playoffs.

A fired-up Ankita Raina produced a stunning performance under pressure to shock world number 120, Lin Zhu, but that was not enough as India lost the Fed Cup tie against China 1-2 on the opening day of the Asia/Oceania Group I competition in New Delhi.

Captain Ankita Bhambri exuded confidence about her team before the Group-1 opener against China. The other two teams in India's group are Kazakhstan and Hong Kong.

India are expected to face a tough battle when they take on top seeds Czech Republic in the Davis Cup World Group play-off at the RK Khanna Stadium here on Friday.