Pune, March 24 (NationPress) Pune is set to host the esteemed Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tournament for the very first time in the nation's tennis history. Maharashtra will welcome this event after a hiatus of 25 years, scheduled from April 8 to 12 at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex.

Six teams from the Asia-Oceania Zone, including New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand, and the host India, will compete in a round-robin format. Each tie will consist of three matches: two singles and one doubles.

“Following the successful Mumbai Open WTA and Maha Open ATP Challenger, MSLTA, in collaboration with AITA and PMDTA, is excited to host another top-tier event,” stated MSLTA secretary Sunder Iyer.

“While MSLTA has organized nearly all significant tennis events in Pune, hosting the BKJC or FED Cup has eluded us. Our bid was aimed at facilitating greater opportunities for our girls to compete at the highest level in familiar surroundings,” Iyer explained.

With the advantage of home support and accustomed conditions, the Indian team seeks to build on its previous successes in this competition, striving for one of the two qualification spots available from the region.

The Indian women’s tennis team, captained by Ankita Raina, also includes Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, and Vaidehi Chaudhari, all ranked between 300 and 358.

The inclusion of experienced doubles specialist Prarthana Thombare (ranked 137 in doubles), who recently finished as runners-up at the WTA Mumbai Open, offers captain Vishal Uppal various strategic options as the tournament approaches.

Even with the absence of heavyweights like Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, the Indian team will face strong competition from New Zealand, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

New Zealand features Lulu Sun, currently ranked 44 globally, leading her team alongside Monique Barry and Aishi Das, aiming for a significant impact.

Thailand boasts two highly ranked singles players, Mananchaya Sawangkaew (ranked 111) and Lanlana Tararudee (ranked 173), complemented by a robust squad including Thasaporn Naklo, Patcharin Cheapchandej, and seasoned doubles expert Peangtarn Plipuech.

Chinese Taipei, led by Joanna Garland (ranked 212), offers a well-rounded team with Ya-Hsuan Lee, Yi-Tsen Cho, Fang-An Lin, and Fang Hsien Wu, enhancing their doubles strength.

Korea will depend on Sohyun Park (ranked 310), who recently secured an international title in India, alongside teammates Dayeon Back, Eunhye Lee, Boyoung Jeong, and Kim Dabin.

Finally, Hong Kong China will be represented by Hong Yi Cody Wong (ranked 350) and Eudice Chong (ranked 356), a formidable duo with over a dozen titles together on the professional circuit. Their team also includes Ho Ching Wu, Man Ying Maggie Ng, and Justine Leong.