India drub Kazakhastan 3-0 in opening tie of Fed Cup

Christchurch, Apr 16 (UNI) India crounched Kazakhastan 3-0 in their first Asia-Oceania Group I tie of the 2007 Federation Cup here today.

US-based Shikha Uberoi, ranked 236 in the WTA standings, demolished T Ignatchenko of Kazakhastan in straight sets 6-0, 6-0 in the first rubber of the tie, while Ankita Bhambri overpowered Y Morozova 6-4, 6-2 in the second rubber.

Meanwhile, following on the footsteps of her singles performance, Ankita teamed up with Tara Iyer to outclass the Kazak duo of M Kovalova and Y Morozova 6-1, 6-4 in the third rubber.

India earlier missed out on a spot in the World Group II Play-offs when they lost to Australia in the final of Asia-Oceania Zone Group I last year in Seoul, where Sania Mirza played a crucial role in its route to the final.

However, this time around 49th rank India star is not a part of the team as she is nursing a knee injury.

India will next fight it out with Chinese Taipei, New Zealand and Jordan in the remaining ties of the Cup.

UNI