Bangkok: India's decision to rest star player Sania Mirza in the opening match itself against Indonesia backfired as they lost 1-2 in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1 Federation Cup tournament here today.

The Indians badly missed Sania's firebrand tennis as other team members Shikha Uberoi and Sunitha Rao were found lacking at crucial junctures.

Although Shikha gave a positive start and 1-0 lead to India by winning the first singles match by defeating Ayu Fani Damayanti 6-4 6-4,Sunitha could not keep the momentum going.

Sandy Gumulya, who is 44 rung below Sunitha in the WTA charts, levelled the scores by beating the Indian 6-1 3-6 6-3 in the second singles.
The Indian duo lost the deciding doubles tie 6-7 (7) 6-1 6-3 to lost the rubber.

In other Group 1 matches, Australia beat New Zealand 2-1, Thailand blanked Hong Kong 3-0 and Uzbekistan got the better of Chinese Taipei 1.

Source : PTI