India clubbed with Japan, Thailand

India, led by fit-again Nirupama Vaidyanathan, square up against Thailand in the opening tie on Tuesday with Sai Jayalakshmi playing the second singles match.

With tenacious Tamarine Tanasugarn, who figures in top 100 of the WTA rankings, in their side, Thailand have a slight edge over India.

Apart from Nirupama and Sai, India have Manisha Malhotra and National grasscourt champion Radhika Tulpule in their ranks who could prove good against other Thai players.

The format of Fed Cup — two singles and a doubles — will give Indian team coach Nandan Bal opportunity to work out various combinations for the crucial doubles tie provided Sai wins her second singles to to keep India in contention. In a match between two No 1 players, Tanasugarn is expected to get the better of Nirupama.

“Nirupama and Sai will be playing singles ties, but I have not yet decided about doubles combination,” Bal said.

On Sai’s selection as second singles player ahead of Manisha, Bal said she looked sharper than Manisha and given the current form — Sai won ITF Circuit title in Mumbai and ended runner-up to Nirupama in the second leg at New Delhi last week – “She was a natural choice”.

While India is expected to win against Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, Japan will prove to be the toughest opponent. Led by redoubtable Ai Sugiyama, Japan will look to avenge their defeat last year in Bangkok.

Pool B comprises second seeded China, Taiwan, the third seeds, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand and South Korea.

INDIA’S MATCHES: Pool A: April 25: India vs Thailand; Apr 26: India vs Japan; Apr 27: India vs Kazakhastan; Apr 29: India vs Hong Kong.