Fed Cup: China beats India

Rutuja fought her heart out before losing 4-6, 2-6 to World No.35 Shuai Zhang in the first singles duel. The onus to bring the team back in the contest was on India No.1 Ankita and she stunned her rival by taking the first set in a jiffy. But, she eventually lost 6-1, 2-6, 4-6 after two hours and 24 minutes.

The doubles rubber was rendered inconsequential. Ankita was up against someone who had defeated veteran Serena Williams (United States) in the third round of the Australian Open in January. The Indian had a break chance in the fourth game but the Chinese saved that with an ace.

Ankita kept the pressure with her sharp returns and converted the second chance to go up 3-1. After an easy hold, Ankita consolidated her position by breaking Qiang at love and served out the set, much to the surprise of the gathering. She broke the Chinese in the first game of the second set but required a medical time out soon after.

That broke the momentum and she went on to lose the second set. However, the Indian is not someone who throws towel easily. Twice she broke her superior rival but her effort could not take her past the finish line as Ankita lost the decisive third set. Earlier, the 23-year-old Rutuja led 3-1 with an early break of serve but Shuai won the match.