Kiwis win decisive doubles against Ankita-Prarthana

Pune: A fresh-look India put on a brave performance but didn’t have the result to show for after New Zealand edged them 2-1 in the opening match of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 women’s team tennis competition on Tuesday. Captain Vishaal Uppal fielded the young and in-form players Sahaja Yamalapalli and Shrivalli Rashmikaa in singles while pairing the seasoned Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare in doubles.Shrivalli justified the faith in her by providing the hosts a flying start, steamrolling 17-year-old Aishi Das 6-1, 6-1 in under an hour in the opening rubber on the centre court at the Mhalunge-Balewadi stadium. But World No. 41 Lulu Sun proved to be a little too good for Sahaja, clinching the second singles 6-3, 6-3 to draw New Zealand level.In the deciding doubles, Ankita and Prarthana fought back after a timid start before Sun and Monique Barry prevailed 6-3, 6-4. “It was a tough day, in the sense, in doubles we lost six games after being 40-15 and 40-30 up. So that should hurt us,” said Uppal. “New Zealand are one of the toughest teams and it’s only Day 1. It is a long road ahead, we have to pick ourselves up.”Uppal was impressed with Shrivalli and Sahaja. “Happy with both. First ever (singles) tie for Shrivalli and that can be nerve-wracking. She held herself really well. Sahaja gave a good account, and didn't back down from the fight,” he said. “Today I would say was a day of missed opportunities. Sahaja had a couple of breakpoints and had she converted those, the match could have gotten tighter.”