Fed Cup captain Phillip King says more full-time players needed after team lose all matches
Hong Kong need more full-time players on the women's professional circuit if they are to consistently challenge the best in Asia, lamented Fed Cup captain Phillip King after his team were relegated to group two in the Asia/ Oceania Zone
Hong Kong need more full-time players on the women's professional circuit if they are to consistently challenge the best in Asia, lamented Fed Cup captain Phillip King after his team were relegated to group two in the Asia/ Oceania Zone.
Hong Kong were swamped by Asian powerhouses Japan, South Korea and Uzbekistan in group play, losing each tie 3-0, before going down 2-1 to Taiwan in the relegation play-off at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre.
Despite the heavy losses, King was encouraged by the spirit shown by the team comprising Lynn Zhang Ling, Tiffany Wu Ho-ching, Maggie Ng Man-ying and Jennifer Sher Chun-wing.
We played in group one after a very long time and this in itself is an achievement. But there are several steps we have to take
"We had some close matches, especially Zhang who lost two of her singles in three sets. She is our only full-time player and it proves how invaluable it is playing full-time on the circuit," King said.
"We need more players like this. It is hard for part-time players to beat full-time players. The teams had some of the best in Asia, China for instance featuring Peng Shuai, who has been to a grand slam semi-final, and they were in a different class.
"But in terms of experience, this tournament was a good learning experience for our younger players," King added.
