By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippines fell short of being promoted to Group I after yielding to Mongolia, 2-0, in a promotion play-off match of the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group II at the National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday, June 21.
Less than a day after a 2-1 escape over Pacific Oceania, the weary Nationals found the unbeaten Mongolians tough nuts to crack as they dropped the first two singles matches of their best-of-three affair.
With the two defeats, the third match was rendered non-bearing as Mongolia secured the promotional berth. Indonesia, which defeated Malaysia in the other play-off bracket, joins Mongolia in the Asia/Oceania Group I next year.
The Filipinas, meanwhile, remained in Group II.
Tennielle Madis, ranked No. 201 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) juniors, couldn’t capitalize on her strong start and bowed to Martaa Chongsomjav, 4-6, 6-0, 6-4.
Alexa Joy Milliam followed suit with a 6-4, 6-1 loss to Maralgoo Chogsomjav.
Shaira Rivera and Madis are playing the doubles against the Chogsomjav duo at press time.
Prior to their defeat, the PH team finished second in Group B with a 3-1 tally — a record that saw them losing to Indonesia before prevailing over Uzbekistan, Iran and Pacific Oceania.
