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The National Times - Japan into BJK Cup quarter-finals for first time in 11 years

Japan into BJK Cup quarter-finals for first time in 11 years

SPORTS 14.11.2024
Japan into BJK Cup quarter-finals for first time in 11 years
Japan into BJK Cup quarter-finals for first time in 11 years / Photo: © AFP

Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi took Japan into the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2013 on Thursday with a stunning comeback win over Romania.

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Aoyama and Hozumi defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Monica Niculescu 6-1, 7-5 in the deciding doubles to set-up a last-eight clash with Italy on Saturday.

The Japanese pair, who won their first WTA Tour title in Tokyo last month, saved nine out of the 10 break points they faced.

Japan had got off to the worst possible start in their first round clash with the Romanians when Nao Hibino lost 6-2, 6-4 to Ana Bogdan. It was Bogdan's fifth win in six career meetings against Hibino.

However, California-born Ena Shibahara, playing singles in place of the injured Naomi Osaka, made light of her 135 world ranking to defeat 73rd-ranked Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) to level the tie.

The result justified Japan captain Ai Sugiyama's decision to name Shibahara ahead of the higher-ranked Moyuka Uchijima.

The season-ending showpiece in Malaga had got underway a day later than scheduled after Wednesday's action was postponed following a weather warning in the wake of recent devastating floods in Spain.

Q.Marshall--TNT

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