LOUISE Hunt endured mixed fortunes on her 25th birthday as Great Britain's women lost their opening World Team Cup group stage match against Thailand in Tokyo today.

British number one player Hunt, from Wanborough, never recovered from a slow start against Sakhorn Khanthasit as she went down 6-0, 6-3 in her singles clash which saw Thailand take an unassailable lead into the doubles rubber.

She then teamed up with senior World Team Cup debutant Lauren Jones to win the doubles 6-3, 7-6.

Britain’s women will face hosts Japan tomorrow as they aim to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive.

“The last thing I want to do is lose on my birthday but that’s what happens sometimes. I’m proud of how we stuck together as a team and I think it was nice to end on a win, and a win where we played really well,” said Hunt.