By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s tennis squad recovered from its crushing defeat to Indonesia and turned back Uzbekistan, 2-1, in the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group II at the National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tuesday, June 17.
Tied at 1-1 after the first two singles matches, Shaira Hope Rivera and Alexa Joy Milliam toppled Uzbek Daria Shubina and Nigina Abduraimova, 3-6, 6-3, 10-8, to prevail in their doubles duel.
The win soothed the pain of their 3-0 defeat to the Indons last Monday apart from drawing level with Pacific Oceania.
Indonesia, meanwhile, hiked its record to 2-0 with a 2-1 escape over the Pacific Oceania bets.
Prior to their triumph over Uzbekistan, Tennielle Madis had a strong opening but later lost her edge and bowed to Shubina in Match 1, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
After seeing her teammate Madis falter, Rivera vented her ire on Abduraimova and essayed a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 win.
The Philippines must prevail against Iran and Pacific Oceania in order to boost its chances to qualify in the promotional playoff.
Last December, the Nationals got promoted from Group III to Group II after Alex Eala led the way in a dominant campaign in Bahrain.
