Australia suffered a surprise loss to Indonesia in the Fed Cup's Asia/Oceania Zone competition yesterday, while Uzbekistan notched up a win over Thailand.
The defeat dented Australia's hopes of reclaiming a spot in the elite World Group, but captain David Taylor said he remained hopeful as his team faces India today while Indonesia take on New Zealand.
Thai No. 1 Tamarine Tanasugarn said Thailand still hoped to win the pool as they struggle to move into the World Group.
Thailand will now play Taiwan, who beat Hong Kong yesterday.
Taiwan's Chan Yung-jan beat Zhang Ling of Hong Kong 6-0, 6-1 yesterday, while Hong Kong player Yang Zi-jun defeated Taiwan's Chan Chin-wei 6-2, 6-4.
Chuang Chia-jung and Chan Yung-jan of Taiwan beat Hong Kong's Yang and Zhang 6-3, 6-2.
Australia had lost two of its star players, Samantha Stosur and Alicia Molik, to injuries.
Ayu Fani Damayanti of Indonesia beat Jessica Moore in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, while Sandy Gumulya beat Casey Dellacqua in two tie-break sets 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5).
The victories were enough for Indonesia to secure the top spot in the pool, following a win on Wednesday.
In other matches, New Zealand beat India after recovering from an initial loss, with Sacha Jones being beaten by Isha Lakhani in three sets.
But they bounced back as Marina Erakovic won her singles match and then scored another victory paired with Leanne Baker in the doubles.
Uzbekistan took the lead in their pool by beating Thailand.
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