Hua Hin (Thailand): Ankita Raina recorded the biggest win of her career by beating World No 56 Nao Hibino but Sania Mirza suffered a rare defeat in doubles as India lost their Group A Fed Cup contest 1-2 to Japan, here yesterday.
<img title="Sania Mirza" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2016/feb/28sania.jpg" alt="Sania Mirza" /> Sania Mirza
Ankita, India&rsquo;s number one singles player at 307, took the court after Prarthana Thombare had lost the opening singles. Battling the odds, Ankita toppled the World No 56 with her 6-3, 6-1 win over the Japanese number one.
India trail Japan Prarthana, ranked as low as 523, had lost tamely 2-6, 1-6 to Eri Hozumi, placed 206, as India trailed 0-1.
Ankita though drew parity for Indian with her shock win. India, at that point, had a real chance to upset the fancied Japan with having world number one player in Sania in the team.
However, Sania and Prarthana lost 5-7, 3-6 to the pairing of Shuko Aoyama and Hozumi.
Aoyama was ranked as high as 31 in the doubles in 2013. With Sania, who has not lost a match since US Open in 2015 and has weaved an incredible 36-match winning streak, in the side, India had a great chance to beat Japan.
India have already lost to hosts Thailand 0-3 on Wednesday and now they are out of the reckoning for the Play-offs for the World Group II.
India will take on Uzbekistan in their last Group engagement today.
Memorable win: Ankita Talking about her memorable win against Hibino, Ankita said she was confident of putting up a good fight. &ldquo;I had played well against Thailand yesterday. This is my first win over a top-100 player and I am one more step closer to my goal.
&ldquo;The thing that helped me win this match is I could stay aggressive throughout the match. I have been trying to do that in the past few months,&rdquo; Ankita told PTI.
&ldquo;I have last very close matches recently with top players. I had opportunities but could not seize those. But Sania told me how to play against the girl before my match and I was able to do that. It was very helpful.&rdquo;

Ankita Raina recorded the biggest win of her career by beating World No 56 Nao Hibino but Sania Mirza suffered a rare defeat in doubles as India lost their Group A Fed Cup contest 1-2 to Japan, here yesterday

Fed Cup: Sania Mirza suffers shock doubles defeat

Who will win Derby jackpot? Hear it from the insiders

Ankita Raina recorded the biggest win of her career by beating World No 56 Nao Hibino but Sania Mirza suffered a rare defeat in doubles as India lost their Group A Fed Cup contest 1-2 to Japan, here yesterday

Fed Cup: Sania Mirza suffers shock doubles defeat

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Sports / Other Sports / Article / Fed Cup: Sania Mirza suffers shock doubles defeat

Fed Cup: Sania Mirza suffers shock doubles defeat

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast