Federation Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I : Sania saved India from Relegation

In Bangkok today, Sania could not play any of India's Pool A matches due to leg injury, but finally she decided to take the field in the deciding doubles after the tie was locked 1-1. Her return to the court saved India from demotion as India beat Hong Kong 2-1 in the Federation Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I relegation play-off here today.

Earlier, Shikha Uberoi had helped India to a 1-0 lead with a 6-1, 7-6 victory over Yang Zi-jun but Isha Lakhani lost to Zhang Ling in the second rubber before the doubles match.

Pairing with Sunitha Rao, Sania was instrumental in downing the Hong Kong pair of Yang Zi-jun and Zhang Ling 7-6, 6-2 to ensure that India finish 7th in the eight-team Group I and remain in the same group next year.

India had lost to Indonesia (1-2), New Zealand (1-2) and Australia (0-3) in the earlier matches of Pool A league and thus this match was crucial for India to retain its position in the group.