The doubles pair of Beibit Zhukayev and Denis Yevseyev lost to Thailand's Pruchya Isaro and Maximus Jones in a Davis Cup match underway in Astana. The encounter ended 4-6, 6-3, 5-7 in favor of the visitors, according to infohub.kz.
Despite the defeat, Kazakhstan leads 2-1 after three matches. Earlier, the Kazakhs won both singles rubbers. Alexander Shevchenko battled past the aforementioned Jones 6-4, 1-6, 7-5. Timofey Skatov also prevailed in a tight contest against Kasidit Samrej 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).
In the initial doubles entry, Thailand had listed Thanapet Chanta alongside doubles specialist Isaro. However, Thailand captain Tiansit Srichaphan replaced him with Jones, who had impressed against Shevchenko. The move paid off. With two breaks against one, Isaro and Maximus took the first set 6-4.
Initially, the Zhukayev/Yevseyev pairing looked like the weakest link in Kazakhstan's current lineup. Both are decent singles players but neither is a doubles specialist. Zhukayev had some practice partnering Alexander Bublik, though without much success, as the February match against Monaco showed.
It seemed that in the absence of Alexander the First, Zhukayev and Yevseyev would have little chance. But in the second set, the Kazakhs, finding their footing on the court, showed they were not born yesterday. And that pronounced singles players can also do something in doubles — 6-3.
Still, in the deciding set, Isaro and Jones, actively using Isaro's specific net skills, wore down the hosts. 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in 1 hour 57 minutes.
Thus, Kazakhstan's lead was cut to 2-1. In the fourth match, Shevchenko will face Samrej. If the Kazakh wins, the tie will end in our victory. If the Thai wins, the outcome will be decided by Skatov against Jones.