Pakistan edge past Tajikistan 2-1 in Billie Jean King Cup tie

KARACHI: Pakistan defeated Tajikistan 2-1 in their Group A tie of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group III on Tuesday in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Despite an early setback in the opening singles match, Pakistan bounced back strongly to claim the tie.

Amna Ali Qayum, playing the first singles rubber, was forced to retire after an injury in the deciding set against Tajikistan’s Anisa Yakhyaeva after leading early in the match. The final score was 6-1, 5-7, 0-1 (retired), giving Tajikistan a 1-0 lead.

Amna was leading 2nd set 5-3 after winning the first set 6-1 when she got injured, she decided to complete the match but withdrew in the third set.

However, Ushna Suhail levelled the tie with a commanding straight-sets win over Saiyora Rajabalieva, 6-3, 6-1, in the second singles match.

In the deciding doubles rubber, Ushna Suhail partnered with Meheq Khokhar to deliver a dominant 6-0, 6-1 win over the Tajik pair of Yakhyaeva and Sumaya Tukhtaeva, sealing the tie 2-1 in Pakistan’s favor.

The result boosts Pakistan’s hopes of advancing in the tournament with their next match scheduled against Turkmenistan on Thursday.

A four-member team is representing Pakistan in the Billie Jean King Cup/Oceania taking place in Sri Lanka.

According to the Pakistan Tennis Federation, for selection of the Pakistan Billie Jean King Cup team, trials were conducted from May 5 to 7 the PTF Tennis Complex.

Eight players were invited to participate based on PTF rankings. Ushna was exempted from the trials due to her recent outstanding performances, said a press release.

The selected team members include Sara Mansoor, former Pakistan Number 1, as non-playing captain, Amna, Meheq and Sheeza Sajid.