India blanked hosts Uzbekistan 3-0 in their second group match of the Asia\/Oceania Group I in the Billie Jean King Cup 2023, the team tennis tournament being held here.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India, who are gunning for a place in the Playoffs stage, had started their campaign with a 2-1 win against Thailand on Tuesday, blanked Uzbekistan 3-0 thanks to top singles player Ankita Raina, who led the team from the front.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With their second successive win, India are at the top of Group 1 standing along with Japan with three ties yet to be played. India will play China on Thursday followed by matches against South Korea and Japan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India started with Rutuja Bhosle taking the court for the first match against Uzbekistan. The Indian star from Pune fought back after losing the first set to lose beat 16-year-old Sabrina Olimjanova 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ankita Raina, India's top women's player who is ranked No. 221 in WTA Rankings, made it 2-0when she defeated world No. 991 Sevil Yuldasheva 6-4, 6-2.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ankita bagged the all-crucial third break of the first set after 4-4 and went on to take the first set despite squandering six of the nine breakpoint opportunities in the first set.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the second set, Ankita took a 4-0 lead upfront and then held her serves to win the match in one hour and 19 minutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The young Indian pair of Sahaja Yamlapalli and Vaidehi Chaudhari then ensured India keep a crucial clean slate against Uzbekistan by winning the doubles match against teenagers Ominahon Valihanova and Maftunabonu Kahramonova 6-1, 6-0.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The top two teams at the end of Group I ties will be promoted to the playoff stage of the Billie Jean King Cup, formerly the Fed Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n