New Zealand has finished fifth in the six-team Billie Jean King Cup Group I (Asia/Oceania) competition with a win against bottom-placed Mongolia today.
While its placing in the bottom two of the group confirmed New Zealand’s relegation to Group II (Asia/Oceania) in 2027, there were a number of positives to come out of the Kiwis’ campaign in New Delhi, India this week.
New Zealand was without its top singles player, the influential Lulu Sun but benefited from the presence of Erin Routliffe, with a current WTA doubles ranking of 11. The other young team members Aishi Das, Monique Barry and Valentina Ivanov, stepped up and fought hard against their higher-ranked opponents in their losses to Thailand, Indonesia, Korea and India.
An impressive performance included Valentina Ivanov testing her higher-ranked opponent from Thailand, Patcharin Cheapchandej taking her to three sets, 2-6 6-3 5-7.
New Zealand’s 3-0 win against Mongolia was convincing. Aishi Das beat Khongorzul Aldaikhishig 6-0 6-1 and Monique Barry was equally convincing with a 6-1 6-2 victory. Das then combined with Erin Routliffe to win the doubles, 6-1 6-2.
Thailand finished first in the group followed by Indonesia earning the opportunity to play in the Billie Jean King Cup play-offs, with New Zealand and Mongolia are relegated to Group II.