India Secures 2-1 Victory Over Korea in Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers

India's Billie Jean King Cup Journey Concludes with a Win

New Delhi [India], April 11: India wrapped up their Billie Jean King Cup campaign on Saturday with a commendable 2-1 victory against Korea during the Asia/Oceania Group I qualifiers held at the DLTA Stadium.

As per an official announcement, the Indian squad finished in third place out of six teams, successfully maintaining their position in Group I. Thailand and Indonesia claimed the top two spots, advancing to the next stage of the 2026 competition.

The final day saw notable attendees, including Anil Jain, president of the All India Tennis Association, and Rohit Rajpal, president of the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association.

In the first singles match, Ankita Raina, who was competing in her initial singles rubber of the week, faced Korea's Dayeon Back. After dropping the first set 6-1, Raina, India's most seasoned player in the tournament, led 5-3 in the second set before Back rallied to win four consecutive games, giving Korea a 1-0 advantage.

In the second singles match, India's top player Vaishnavi Adkar showcased an impressive performance, defeating Korea's leading player Sohyun Park with a score of 7-6, 7-6. Adkar reflected on her match, stating, "I believe it's better late than never; my last match was quite challenging and didn't go my way. I learned a lot from it, and I think I performed significantly better this time."

She also expressed gratitude towards the supportive crowd that turned out in large numbers for the Indian team. "The crowd's support was incredible today. Their presence energized us, and despite losing the first singles match, it was crucial for us to keep fighting because representing our country is always an honor," Adkar added.

Raina teamed up with Rutuja Bhosale in the doubles match, where the Indian duo triumphed over Back and Eunhye Lee with a score of 6-2, 6-2, securing the overall 2-1 victory. With this win, India concluded the competition with three victories and two losses, finishing third overall, ahead of Korea.

Thailand emerged as the leader in the Asia/Oceania Group I standings after defeating Indonesia 2-1. The tie commenced with Indonesia's Priska Madelyn Nugroho retiring early in the first set against Thasaporn Naklo, granting Thailand a 1-0 lead.

Indonesia's Janice Tjen, the highest-ranked player in the competition at No. 41, equalized the tie with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Anchisa Chanta.

With both teams already qualified, Indonesia opted for a substitute doubles pairing of Anjali Kirana Junarto and Meydiana Laviola Reinnamah, who were defeated by Thailand's Patcharin Cheapchandej and Peangtarn Plipuech in straight sets.

In another match, New Zealand secured a 3-0 victory over Mongolia, finishing fifth, while Mongolia ended up in sixth place and will be relegated to Group II.

Results from April 11, 2026:

India def. Korea 2-1

Dayeon Back (KOR) def. Ankita Raina (IND) 6-1, 7-5

Vaishnavi Adkar (IND) def. Sohyun Park (KOR) 7-6, 7-6

Rutuja Bhosale (IND) / Ankita Raina (IND) def. Dayeon Back (KOR) / Eunhye Lee (KOR) 6-2, 6-3

Thailand def. Indonesia 2-1

Thasaporn Naklo (THA) def. Priska Madelyn Nugroho (INA) 2-3 retd.

Janice Tjen (INA) def. Anchisa Chanta (THA) 6-2, 6-4

Patcharin Cheapchandej (THA) / Peangtarn Plipuech (THA) def. Anjali Kirana Junarto (INA)/ Meydiana Laviola Reinnamah (INA) 6-2, 6-4

New Zealand def. Mongolia 3-0

Aishi Das (NZL) def. Khongorzul Aldarkhishig (MGL) 6-0, 6-1

Monique BARRY (NZL) def. Jargal Altansarnai (MGL) 6-1, 6-2

Aishi Das (NZL)/ Erin Routliffe (NZL) def. Jargal Altansarnai (MGL) / Anu-Vjin Gantor (MGL) 6-1, 6-2.