New Zealand will play Uzbekistan to compete for a place in the Fed Cup World Group II, after Australia narrowly failed to win a spot and a chance to return to the tournament's elite yesterday.
Australia beat India in the singles and doubles, but the victory in Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I was not enough for the Aussies to make the play-offs that will determine who advances to the World Group, while rivals New Zealand defeated Indonesia, giving them top position.
New Zealand's Sacha Jones defeated Ayu Fani Damayanti while Marina Erakovic beat Sandy Gumulya in the singles. Erakovic later paired with Leanne Baker to win over Indonesian pair Lavinia Tananta and Vivien Silfany, all in straight sets.
New Zealand captain David Lewis predicted his team could win today's match.
"We are a strong and good team. We want to win and we believe we can go for it," he said.
Although Australia defeated India, the team did not have enough wins to make it into the play-off.
Uzbekistan progressed after defeating Hong Kong.
Albina Khabibulina beat Lam Po-kuen in the first singles game, before Zhang Ling tied for Hong Kong. Uzbekistan's Akgul Amanmuradova and Iroda Tulyaganova clinched the win with a victory in the doubles.
Uzbekistan defeated New Zealand in their last meeting, in South Korea two years ago.
The winner between New Zealand and Uzbekistan will be promoted to the World Group next year.
Hong Kong and India, both with three losses, will play each other to determine which nation will be relegated to Asia/Oceania Group II.
In Group II, Kazakhstan will play South Korea.
■ TAIWAN 3, THAILAND 0
In Group I Taiwan powered to a 3-0 victory over Thailand yesterday.
In the singles, Hsieh Su-wei defeated Nudnida Luangnam 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, while Chan Yung-jan beat Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-4, 2-6, 6-1.
In the doubles, Chan teamed up with Chuang Chia-jung to overcome opponents Suchanun Viratprasert and Napaporn Tongsalee 6-3, 6-0.
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