Aussies claim round one victory
Aussies claim round one victory 
From correspondents in Bangkok, Thailand
Former Australian Captain January 31, 2008
AUSTRALIA’S Fed Cup team has won its opening round-robin match against New Zealand 2-1 in the Asia-Oceania zone group one competition.
Australia’s Casey Dellacqua was leading 4-1 in the third set of her match against Sacha Jones, before Jones retired with cramps.
Dellacqua’s serve was broken in the opening game of the match, and Jones went on to take the first set 6-4.
The Australian then fought back to take the second 6-4 and was cruising through the deciding set before the win was handed to her.
In the second match of the day, Alicia Molik was forced to retire in the first set of her match against Marina Erakovic with the score at 6-5 15-40 when she sustained a left calf strain.
The doubles combination of Dellacqua and multiple grand slam title winner Rennae Stubbs was able to close out the win for Australia when they defeated Erakovic and Leanne Baker 7-5 6-2 in the deciding rubber.
Australia will face now face Indonesia.
The round robin stage will be contested until Friday, with the top teams from each pool playing the final on Saturday.
The winner will advance to the World Group II play-offs in April 2008.
AAP