India's decision to rest star player Sania Mirza in the opening match itself against Indonesia backfired as they lost 1-2 in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1 Federation Cup tournament in Bangkok on Wednesday.
The Indians badly missed Sania's firebrand tennis as other team members Shikha Uberoi and Sunitha Rao were found lacking at crucial junctures.
Although Shikha gave a positive start and 1-0 lead to India by winning the first singles match by defeating Ayu Fani Damayanti 6-4, 6-4, Sunitha could not keep the momentum going.
Sandy Gumulya, who is 44 rung below Sunitha in the WTA charts, levelled the scores by beating the Indian 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the second singles.
The Indian duo lost the deciding doubles tie 6-7 (7), 6-1, 6-3 to lost the rubber.
In other Group 1 matches, Australia beat New Zealand 2-1, Thailand blanked Hong Kong 3-0 and Uzbekistan got the better of Chinese Taipei 1.
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