Hua hin: Thailand got off to a good start with a 3-0 win against India in their Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I match yesterday.
Thailand's Bunyawi Thamchaiwat plays a shot against India's Prerna Bhambri.
In the opening singles in Pool A, world No.629 Bunyawi Thamchaiwat, 18, upset India's 399th-ranked Prerna Bhambri 6-2, 7-5 at True Arena in this resort town.
Thailand's top player Luksika Kumkhum, ranked 149th in the world, finished off No.307 Ankita Raina 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the second singles.
In the doubles, Kamonwan Buayam and Peangtarn Plipuech beat Bhambri and Prartana Thombare 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-4.
Bunyawi said: "I tried just to focus on my game. I felt nervous because I was playing for the country for the first time."
Luksika said: "It was a difficult match because it was windy. I did not play well and my serve was not good today. I am happy to win my first match here."
Today, Thailand meet Uzbekistan at 10 am, while India take on Japan in the other Pool A match.
Pool B comprises Kazakhstan, China, South Korea and Taiwan.
The champions of the tournament will advance to the World Group II play-offs while the last-placed team will be relegated to Asia/Oceania Zone Group II.
FEDERER OUT FOR A MONTH
Seventeen-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer underwent "successful" surgery on his knee yesterday and will be ruled out of action for one month, his agent said.
Federer underwent the surgery to repair a torn meniscus sustained the day after his semi-final match at the Australian Open, according to Tony Godsick.
As a result of the surgery, Federer will now miss the ATP tournaments in Rotterdam and Dubai this month.
"I am so disappointed to have to miss Rotterdam and Dubai as they are two of my favourite tournaments on the ATP World Tour," Federer said.
"While this is an unfortunate setback, I feel grateful that up until now I have remained mostly healthy throughout my career. My doctors have assured me that the surgery was a success and I will be able to return to the Tour soon."
The 34-year-old Swiss suffered a four-set defeat by eventual winner Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals. bangkok post/afp