Christchurch, July 18 (ANI): Yuki Bhambri helped India to keep its hopes alive after Somdev Devvarman suffered a shocking defeat, leaving the visitors locked 1-1 with New Zealand on day one of the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I tie.
Devvarman lost the opening singles 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 1-6 against low ranked Michael Venus in a match that lasted for three hours and 13 minutes.
Bhambri, who is currently ranked 151, however, brought the Indians back into the hunt after he defeated Jose Statham 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 in the second singles.
The winner of the tie will qualify for the World Group Play-offs to be held in September. (ANI)