BJK Cup: Indian women's tennis team completes 'Project Playoffs'

What started off with the young guns taking charge ended with the older guard of the Indian women's tennis team providing the finishing touch.

- Shahid Judge

PUNE: Those on the bench crept up towards the edge of the players' area, waiting in anticipation as 31-year-old Prarthana Thombare and Ankita Raina, 32, reached match point in the deciding rubber of the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie against South Korea in the Billie Jean King Cup.

And once Thombare's forehand down-the-line winner hit the backboard, coach, captain, players, physios—the entire squad—charged onto centre court of the Balewadi Tennis Stadium. With the win, India had reached the playoffs stage of the premier women's team event for only the second time.