India goes down to China in World junior tennis

Shenzen, China, Apr 20 (UNI) India slumped to 1-2 defeat by hosts China in the semi-finals of the Asia-Oceania leg of the World Junior tennis championship here.

However, the Indian boys have already sealed a place in the World Group final to be held in the Czech Republic in August by their semi-final appearance in a regional competition.

After Digvijay Singh Mehta went down to Chinese Zhao Cai 4-6, 4-6 in the first singles on Friday, Ronit Bisht brought India back as he beat Xin Gao 6-3, 6-1 in the second singles.

But the Indian duo Digvijay and Ronit handed the tie to China when they lost their doubles match 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 to Gao and Jun Nan Tao.

The World Group final will include China, Korea and Australia along with India from the Asia-Oceania region.

The win here would have ensured India a favourable draw and the loss has severely affected India's chances of getting seeded at the World Group.

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