England looked to upset Kazakhstan in their opening match of the Billy Jean Gold Cup final, but it ended in defeat for Katie Bolt and Harriet Dart.
![Katie](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/11/08/20/GettyImages-1440075132.jpg?quality=75&width=982&height=726&auto=webp)
After the Lawn Tennis Association stepped in to host the event at Glasgow’s Emirates Stadium, England won the bid, especially without the injured Emma Radukanu, with little else in the country.
They talked confidently about their chance to capitalize on their home-court advantage on Monday, but Bolt’s 4-6, 6-3, 2-6 loss to a feisty Yulia Putintseva was a heavy blow, Dart stunned by Wimbledon with 6:1, 6:4 win over champion Elena Rybakina..
They could still qualify with a win over Spain on Thursday
But it would be a dead end for Kazakhstan if they win against Spain on Wednesday.
The Kazakhs can even have the loudest supporters
With a loyal following that exceeds the sparse British crowd.
Although nearly 80 behind Putintseva with 130
Bolt has been an outstanding match performer and this looked to be Britain’s best shot at one point.
The 26-year-old from Leicestershire started well
Breaking serve in her opening two games, but she lost her way in the second set, proving as she trailed 4-0 in the decider It’s too big for a mountain. climb..
It was only Bolt’s second loss in 11 fights
Her first appearance against the same player at London’s Copper Box in 2019.
« I came out to swing and she obviously came up with a game plan that worked for me, I think, initially…
« Then she completely changed her game plan and I started making her play the way she (wanted) to play, she manipulated me on the court instead of me taking the lead. »
Bolt called in sick after three fights in the tiebreaker to work on her left calf, but shrugged it off as if it was appropriate for Thursday.
Of the disappointing crowd
Bolt said: « I think the atmosphere is good. Kazakhstan will always bring their drums and it will always be a battle with the noise level because they want to win it. I think they It probably did today.
« I’m grateful to have support now
It would definitely be nice to see more rowdy crowds out there. »
Rybakina has had her ups and downs since winning her first Grand Slam title at the All England Club, but she has one of the strongest games on tour and, for darts, she may always be on Too much on the 95th.
Darts played well after trailing 2-0 in one set
And had two chances to lead 5-4 in the second set, but Rebakina scored four points in a row and served to win.
💡 Sources and references
« independent.co.uk » by Billie Jean King Cup: England beat Kazakhstan comfortably in opener.