Thailand beat India in Fed Cup opener

Hua Hin, Feb 4: Thailand got their campaign off to a flying start, outclassing India 3-0 in their Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I opening match at the True Are Hua Hin here.

In the opening singles match in Pool A, World No.629 Bunyawi Thamchaiwat stunned India's 399th-ranked Prer Bhambri 6-2, 7-5 on Wednesday. Thailand's star player and World No.149 Luksika Kumkhum outclassed world no.307 Ankita Rai 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the second singles to give the hosts a 2-0 lead in the tie. India failed to stage a comeback as Thailand's Kamonwan Buayam-Peangtarn Plipuech defeated the Indian combition of Prer Bhambri and Prartha G. Thombare 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-4 to win the tie 3-0.

The other teams in Pool A are Uzbekistan and Japan. Uzbekistan defeated Japan 2-1.

Pool B comprises Kazakhstan, Chi, South Korea and Chinese Taipei. Kazakhstan beat South Korea 3-0 while Chinese Taipei defeated Chi 2-1. IANS