The Sri Lankan contingent that travelled to Thailand in the previous week for the Fed Cup Group II Asia Oceania draw concluded their campaign with an overall 7th place finish defeating Iran 1-2 in the final play-off.
The Lankan team that took off last week consisted of a mix of youth and experience with the inclusion of the veteran Amritha Muttiah and the national champion Nethmi Waduge. Sri Lanka were tabled in pool B alongside Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Facing touch opponents in the group stage, the Lankans were able to record wins against two teams in the entire competition. Sri Lanka thrashed Pakistan in the round robin 2-0 and later overhauled Kyrgyzstan 3-0 but lost to both Malaysia and Indonesia 3-0. Sri Lankan had the chance of surpassing Singapore but the latter won the game 1-2.
Experience came in handy for Sri Lanka where Amritha Muttiah played an integral role during the entire series and was the most successful player. Winning three of the five singles and three doubles matches Muttiah showcased the elegance in her act while the rest of the players did not notch up to the expected mark.
Sri Lanka however were victorious in their 7th/8th playoff against Iran winning the draw 2-1. Muttiah gave the start for the draw by winning the 1st single 6-0, 6-1 The second single went down in favor of Iran as Nethmi Waduge lost to Sara Amiri 6-1, 6-0 but Muttiah paired up with Medhira Samarasinghe to win the doubles game.
The Fed Cup campaign was not the best for the side but the islanders will take some positives from the tournament and fight their way forward in the coming weeks.
