By IANS
Bangkok : India’s misery at the Federation Cup tennis continued Friday as they were thrashed 0-3 by Australia in their last tie of the Asia-Oceania Group I at the National Development Centre here.
Isha Lakhani, who registered India’s only victory against New Zealand Thursday, squandered a set lead to hand over the first rubber to Kiwi teenager Jessica Moore, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
It was then up to Sunitha Rao to square the tie for India, but the US-settled Indian’s woeful run at this year’s team event continued as she was defeated 5-7, 3-6 by Casey Dellacqua in the second singles rubber.
Sunitha had lost both her singles matches in the earlier ties against Indonesia and New Zealand.
After defeats in both the singles, the doubles encounter was just a formality and a chance for India to redeem some pride, but Dellacqua and Rennae Stubbs duo demolished the pair of Shikha Uberoi and Sunitha 6-7 (3-7), 0-6.
However, the victory was not enough for Australia to qualify for the Asia-Oceania Group I finals with New Zealand edging them out as well as Indonesia.
After the round-robin format Friday, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia all had secured similar points with two wins apiece.
However, the Kiwis edged past both Australia and Indonesia on sets won after the matches won ratio too could not provide a winner.