New Zealand suffers second straight defeat at Billie Jean King Cup

New Zealand faces a huge battle to remain in Asia Oceania Group 1 after a second straight white wash at the Billie Jean King Cup in Antalya in Turkey.

After a 3-0 loss to second ranked China in the opening tie yesterday, Captain Marina Erakovic had hoped for a better result against third ranked South Korea. But the Koreans proved far too strong for the young Kiwi team winning all three rubbers although New Zealand almost staged a miraculous recovery in the doubles.

Erakovic encouraged by Vivian Yang’s performance in her debut against China, again chose the 17-year-old lefty to kick off the tie against Korean number two Han Na-Lae. But the 217^th ranked player in the world proved far too strong winning 6-0 6-2 in 1 hour and 4 minutes.

Valentina Ivanov then made her first singles appearance of the week against Korean number one Jang Su Jeong who is ranked 145.  The 21-year-old fought hard for one hour 30 before succumbing 6-3 6-2.

Paige Hourigan then teamed up with Erin Routliffe for the doubles rubber against Dabin Kim and Na Ri Kim. The New Zealanders fought hard and rallied from 5-1 down in the final set to take the match into a tiebreak. But they eventually lost the 2-hour 3-minute encounter 6-2 2-6 7-6. (6)

Captain Marina Erakovic reflected on the tie.

"If we start with Vivian's match, you know, unfortunately, Vivian just didn't have it in her legs today, I think the match from yesterday took it out of her quite a bit, and she just wasn't moving as well, and was very flat. So obviously, you know, young and 17. We didn't  realise how much of first round probably would have would have taken out of her but something for her to, work on." Erakovic said.

"Valentina's match match actually was really close, she had a lot of chances. The score line didn't really indicate how the match went, she played well. And she's also come off from a bit of an injury. So I'm actually not too disheartened. But I think it was a great match for her to sort of jump in and play." 

" The doubles was so close, we were really hoping for that win today  but unfortunately, just came up short and had a lot of chances, and we're a little bit unlucky.  That's  just tennis, you know, it happens sometimes like that. And we just have to take it on the chin regroup, and move on." Erakovic said.

New Zealand now faces a battle to remain in Group 1 with the top two teams earning promotion and the bottom two teams at the tournament getting relegated.

The Kiwis face  Japan tomorrow before ties against winless India and Indonesia which on paper at least appear to be the most winnable ties for New Zealand.

China defeated India 3-0 and Japan had a 3-0 win over Indonesia.