China at the 2002 Federation Cup

The Federation Cup is the most recognized competition in the women’s tennis. This tournament originated in the year 1963 as the International Tennis Federation celebrated its 50th anniversary. In the inaugural year there were around 16 teams which came from different venues to participate in this competition. Teams had to gather their own expenses as there was no prize money for this competition but still the teams were eager to take part in this Federation Cup. The 2002 Federation Cup was the 40th edition of the most famous competition in the women’s tennis.

There where about 83 teams participating in this competition and China, P.R. at the 2002 Federation Cup was one of them. China first participated in this competition in the year 1981 and therefore this is their 12th appearance in this competition.

China, P.R. at the 2002 Federation Cup was in the Asia/Oceania zone group I along with the teams like India, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Korea Rep, Thailand and Uzbekistan. Korea had one of its best starts in this competition as they out classed Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines and Uzbekistan in the four round robins matches. In all the four matches they did not concede a single game as they won those matches by the score of 3:0. In the last round robin match against Japan they did have a little trouble but still they managed to win the match by the score of 2:1. Then in the first round of the Play-off they defeated Indonesia although Indonesia was giving a tuff tussle Korea won the match by 2:1. After wining the play-off match Korea advanced to the world group qualifying round, in that match they played against Russia. Here came the set back for Korea when they lost heavily to Russia as they could not even win a single game in that match.

The score was 5:0 in favor of Russia. Such a brilliant performance from Korea was rear to be seen but this display could not provide them birth in the world group as they lost very badly to Russia in the last match.

The over all performance of China, P.R. at the 2002 Federation Cup was exceptional as they tried to gain a place in the world group. After losing the world group qualifying round to Russia Korea regained their group I spot for the 2003 Fed Cup.