Indian women moved a step closer to being promoted to Group One after drubbing Kyrgyzstan 3-0 in the Asia-Oceania Group 2 qualifying tie of the Fed Cup team tennis competition in Ariake Park Tennis stadium, Tokyo.
Sania Mirza blanked Yulia Klimchenko 6-0, 6-0 in less than 35 minutes before the seasoned Manisha Malhotra subdued a fighting Kanykey Koichumanova 6-1, 3-6, 6-2.
Manisha won the first set very easily, but in the second K.Koichumanova played some hard tennis and won the set by 6-3. In the decider, Manisha came back strongly to take the set and match in 1 hour 14 minutes.
Isha Lakhani and Megha Vakharia then defeated Klimchenko and Koichumanova 6-0, 6-3 in under 50 minutes to make it a clean sweep for India.
India, ranked 41, are the favourites in the group, which also comprises The Philippines and Pacific Oceania.
India defeated The Philippines 3-0 in their opening tie on Monday. They play Pacific Oceania on Wednesday. The top two teams from the group would be promoted to Group One next year.
In the group's other match today, The Philippines registered a 3-0 victory against Pacific Oceania.
Pacific Oceania defeated Kyrgyzstan 3-0 on Monday.
