New Delhi, India's Billie Jean King Cup campaign hit a roadblock as they went down 1-2 to Thailand in the rain-hit opening Asia/Oceania Group I tie. Sahaja Yamalapalli's narrow defeat in the second singles was followed by a consolation win in the doubles by Rutuja Bhosale and Ankita Raina.
The 25-year-old Yamalapalli lost 4-6, 6-1, 4-6 to Patcharin in a match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes. However, Bhosale and Raina beat Thasaporn Naklo and Peangtarn Plipuech 6-3 6-4 in one hour and 11 minutes.
India will face New Zealand in their next tie later in the day. Captain Vishal Uppal expressed his disappointment but emphasized that every win matters in the long tournament ahead.
