India Beats South Korea 2-1 but Misses Promotion in Billie Jean King Cup

India secured a 2-1 victory over South Korea in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group I on Saturday at the DLTA Complex in New Delhi, but the result was not enough to propel the hosts into the top two spots needed for promotion to the World Group Playoffs. With this win, India finished fourth in the six-team round-robin competition, maintaining their place in Group I alongside third-place Thailand, while Indonesia and South Korea advanced and New Zealand and Mongolia face relegation to Group II.

The decisive match against South Korea began with a setback for India, as experienced player Ankita Raina fell to Dayeon Back 1-6, 5-7 in the opening singles rubber. Raina, ranked 581st, struggled with unforced errors and ineffective drop shots, allowing Back, ranked 343rd, to take control after a competitive start. The 33-year-old Raina, who had primarily played doubles earlier in the tournament, fought back in the second set but could not convert key break points, sealing a one-hour, 55-minute defeat.

India's hopes rested on Vaishnavi Adkar in the second singles, and the 23-year-old delivered a resilient performance to defeat higher-ranked Sohyun Park 7-6(5), 7-6(5). Adkar,...