Tough start for Arab teams in Billie Jean King Cup Asian Group III

TDT | Manama

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The Asian Group III qualifiers of the Billie Jean King Cup kicked off yesterday under the Bahrain Tennis Federation’s hospitality for the second consecutive year. Running until November 30, the tournament features 17 national teams vying for glory.

Bahrain’s national women’s tennis team faced a challenging start, losing 2-1 to Laos in their Group III opener. Despite an impressive singles win by Hajar Zidan, who defeated Champamanivong in straight sets (6-2, 6-0), Laos leveled through Pathoumkhounem’s victory over Bahrain’s Haneen Al Najjar (6-0, 6-1). The decisive doubles match saw the Lao duo Champamanivong and Pathoumkhounem triumph over Bahrain’s Jennifer Heaton and Hajar Zidan (6-1, 6-2).

In other Group III matches, Turkmenistan edged Saudi Arabia 2-1. While Saudi’s Dania Al Zuheir and Naya Al Fakhouri lost their singles matches, the doubles team of Al Zuheir and Lara Boukhari secured a consolation win (6-2, 4-6, 10-6).

Qatar Falls

Short in Group II In Group II, Qatar narrowly lost 2-1 to Nepal. After Sonira Thapa of Nepal defeated Huda Al Mudahka (6-1, 6-2), Qatar’s Mabrouka Al Nuaimi leveled the score with a win over Abilasha Bista (6-3, 6-2).

However, the Nepali duo Thapa and Bista clinched the doubles match (6- 3, 6-2). Meanwhile, the Philippines dominated Guam 3-0, with all matches ending in decisive victories.

In Group IV, Tajikistan overcame Iraq 2-1, while the Maldives emerged victorious over Myanmar after a marathon 2-1 battle.