Thailand make winning start

Thailand made a winning start to their Asian Hopman Cup tennis campaign, defeating the Philippines 2-1 in Group B on Friday.

Nudnida Luangnam beat Czarina Arevalo 6-4, 6-4 in the women's match while Weerapat Doakmaiklee overcame Patrick Tierro 6-7, 6-3, 7-5 in the men's contest.

The Filipino pair then won the mixed doubles 6-3, 6-4.

Thailand face Taiwan on Saturday to decide who goes through to the final as group winners.

China beat Japan 2-1 to keep alive slim hopes of qualifying for the final from Group A.

Shuai Zhang defeated Tomoko Yonemura 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 before Yuichi Sugita helped Japan draw level with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Mao-Xin Gong in the men's match.

The Chinese pair then won the mixed doubles 6-0 6-1.

Hosts India play Japan on Saturday.

The tournament winners receive a wildcard to next month's Hopman Cup in Australia.