Bangkok, Thailand, 30 March 2017 | tennis.com.au

Australia suffered their first defeat of the week, but still qualified for the quarterfinals of the girls’ World Junior Tennis Asia / Oceania Final Qualifying event after finishing second in their group.

A narrow 2-1 loss to China meant their opponents finished top of Group D, but captain Bryanne Crabb will take heart from a determined display against a strong Chinese side.

Lara Walker (Qld) was overpowered by Sijia Wei in the opening singles rubber, but Annerly Poulos (ACT) levelled the tie after beating Na Dong 6-3 7-5.

However, despite the best efforts of Poulos and Anastasia Berezov (NSW), China took the deciding doubles rubber and with it the tie.

Australia will take on Group B winners Japan later today for a place in the semifinals.

Victory for Australia would ensure a place in the World Finals, which will be held in Prostejov, Czech Republic, in August.