Caroline Wozniacki eyes for the third title of her career in Tokyo

The US$175,000 AIG Japan Open Tennis Championships is being staged at Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo, Japan from September 29 until October 5, 2008 has attracted a strong field of entries. Heading the field is 18 years old and talented Dane, Caroline Wozniacki who is currently at her career best, WTA 17. This season Wozniacki has collected two titles from Stockholm and New Haven to join the list of other winners in the tour for the first time. She also made impressive run to fourth round at US Open.

Wozniacki will begin her campaign and will meet Argentinian Gisela Dulko in the first round. The two are tied 1 all in their meetings this year. Other first round matches are: Spaniard Annabel Medina Garrigues is the second seeded and is to face Chan Yung-Jan from Chinese Taipei. Third seeded Zheng Jie of China will be challenged by young Russian, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. While fourth seeded Maria Kirilenko from Russia will clash against Klara Zakopalova of Czech Republic.

The rest of the seeded players are Kaia Kanepi of Estonia as fifth seeded, and followed by struggling Israelian Shahar Peer as sixth seeded then Thai Tamarine Tanasugarn as seventh seeded and last but not least, Aleksandra Wozniak from Canada as eight seeded.

In their first round matches, Kanepi will be challenged by Czech Lucie Safarova, Peer will face wild card and former world number four from Japan, Kimiko Date Krumm. Truly darling of Japanese fans, Date Krumm won Japan Open in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1996. Meanwhile, Tanasugarn will battle against qualifier and Wozniak will play winner of Japan Open 2002, Jill Craybas of USA again after they met in the same round at recent WTA Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic in Bali.

Other wild cards are Japanese Aiko Nakamura and Ayumi Morita.

Ysidora lost in a very tight battle

Young and potential Grace Sari Ysidora, sixth seeded at ITF China Open Grade 2 in Beijing was denied to extend her winning streak by 17 years old Stephanie Cornish of Great Britain. In a very close battle, both Ysidora and Cornish exchanged solid ground strokes during the whole quarter-final match. In the first set, Jakarta born Ysidora was leading 5-4 but she was lack of patient compare to her British opponent in executing her strategy. Cornish stepped-up with more consistent shots and fought back to win 7-5 in the opening set.

In the second set, both players kept up their high pace and they tied at 6 all then forced them to have tie-break. At critical points, world ranked 200 Cornish was able to maintain her cool head and eventually she completed the match, 7-6(4). Cornish was happy to reach into her second semi-finals of Grade 2 this year, after Uruguay Bowl in earlier part of the season. Despite the loss, Ysidora was quite pleased with her performance since she played good today and she lost to a better player indeed.

In doubles, Ysidora partnered with 17 years old Malou Ejdesgaard of Denmark and this duo placed as third seeded in the draw. In the first round, Ejdesgaard/Ysidora defeated Dong Xiaorong/Qin Siyu of China 6-0, 6-4. Ejdesgaard and Ysidora forced to end their partnership in quarter-final when they bowed out to Chinese pair, Wang Ya Fan/Yang Zi, 6-7(3), 2-6.

In boys' doubles, Indonesian David Agung Susanto paired up with Thai Phaninthon Pakpoomkamol and they lost to top seeded Alistair Barnes/Nikala Scholtz (Great Britain/South Africa) 6-3, 3-6, 3-6 in the first round.

Grace Sari Ysidora moves into quarter-final

Indonesian tennis prodigy, 15 years old Grace Sari Ysidora continues her winning streak and reaching quarter-final of "2008 ITF China Open Grade 2" at Potters Wheel International Tennis Center in Beijing, China. Today in second round, sixth seeded Ysidora gave no mercy to her opponent, Zhao Di of China with 6-0, 6-0 victory. Zhao is only five months older than Ysidora and is currently ranked at ITF 257 while Ysidora at ITF 138. So, Ysidora is extending her 12 winning streaks now since June 17, 2008. Beijing is only Ysidora's eight tournament of the year and is her fifth Grade 2 tourney in her junior career. By cruising into the last eight round, it is certainly Ysidora's best result for the first time in Grade 2 level. What a breakthrough!

Zhao is no stranger for Indonesian players. Zhao visited Indonesia this year where she played three tournaments. At Solo 10K, she scared top seeded Sandy Gumulya but then she lost to her experienced opponent, 6-4, 3-6, 1-6.

In quarter-final tomorrow, Ysidora will face 17 years old Stephanie Cornish of Great Britain who is ranked at ITF 200. In the opening round yesterday, Ysidora began her campaign by beating 17 years old Australian Harriet Sheahan (ITF 219) with 6-1, 6-2 victory.

Meanwhile in boys' singles, Indonesian David Agung Susanto crashed out early in the first round. Susanto lost to wild card and top seeded Wu Di from China (ITF 40), 2-6, 2-6.

Sandy Gumulya forced to pack her bag early

From "Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital Tennis Classic" with total prize money of US $ 50,000 in Ashland, Kentucky, the main draw's matches continued yesterday. Indonesian number one player, Sandy Gumulya could not perform her best and bowed out to Portuguese Neuza Silva, 1-6, 3-6 in first round.

It was certainly not a good start for Gumulya in her US tour. Up next she will play another 50K in Troy, Alabama where she is secured already in the main draw together with Romana Tedjakusuma.

Other results were the early exit of two seeded players. Third seeded Olga Puchkova of Russia lost to 19 years old Lauren Albanese from USA, 2-6, 0-6. Puchkova, a resident of Florida, looked promising last year when she reached highest ranking of her career at WTA 32. Since then, she has been really struggling to keep up her form and now she is at WTA 120. She is now 13-23 for the season. Another casualty was seventh seeded Abigail Spears of USA who lost to local wild card Mallory Cecil 6-2, 4-6, 5-7.

Red hot favorite is second seeded Julie Ditty of USA, daughter of the tournament director here. Ditty is fresh from claiming the title at Albuquerque 75K in New Mexico last week end. Currently ranked at WTA 98, in the first round Ditty survived the scare and won 7-6(3), 7-6(2) over Sunitha Rao of India. Former 1999 Wimbledon semi-finalist, Alexandra Stevenson faced the reality of losing to up and coming Madison Brengle of USA who had to go through qualifying round first. This 18 years old Dover resident clinched her 7-6(3), 6-4 victory over 27 years old Stevenson.

Sandy Gumulya qualifies into main draw

Currently world ranked 262, Sandy Gumulya, and placed as first seeded at "Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital Tennis Classic" in Ashland, Kentucky, eventually she cruised into the main draw. In the first round of qualifying, Gumulya denied the challenge of 18 years old Croat, Ana Savic and won 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-1. She made another victory in the second round of qualifying when she defeated an Egyptian Heidi El Tabakh who is now playing for Canada, 6-4, 6-0. Yesterday, she completed her final qualifying with impressive win over sixth seeded, Maria Fernanda Alvarez Teran from Bolivia, 6-2, 6-1.

In the main draw of this tourney with total prize money of US $ 50,000 - Gumulya is scheduled to play against 25 years old Neuza Silva from Portugal. Silva is currently ranked 173 in the world and is enjoying the best season of her career so far. As qualifier, she sailed through all the way to quarter-final at Monzon 75K in Spain last April. She has collected two singles' titles of 25K in Felixstowe, Great Britain and Vigo, Spain. She played all four grand slams this year and her best outcome was reaching final qualifying at US Open.

Gearing-up for world tennis treats from Beijing, Nonthaburi & Seoul

China Open 2008 will hold its annual ATP and WTA tournaments at the same time this coming week. With total prize money of US $ 524,000, ATP China Open promises great matches from day to day until September 28, 2008. Top seed David Ferrer of Spain gets first round bye and waits for the winner of first round match between Nicolas Delvider of France and Israelian Dudi Sela. Second seeded Andy Roddick also receives first round bye. Roddick just lost to Ferrer in Davis Cup's semi-final this week-end and he will face either qualifier or Croat Roko Karanusic.

Third seeded Chilean Fernando Gonzalez gets first round bye and waits for wild card Yan Bai from China or Japanese Go Soeda in the second round. Fourth seeded Richard Gasquet of France also receives first round bye and will meet qualifier or Lu Yen-Hsun of Chinese Taipei in the second round. Wild card and fifth seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain will face American Bobby Reynolds in the opening round, while sixth seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo will play against his compatriot Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the first round. Resurging German Rainer Schuettler is placed as seventh seeded and is to face Ivan Navarro-Pastor of Spain in the first round. last but not least, eight seeded Sam Querrey from USA will play his first round match against his fellow countryman, Jesse Levine.

Meanwhile in the WTA event with total prize money of US $ 600,000 a world class showdown is ready to go. Same as last week in Tokyo, two Serbs Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic topped the draw here at Beijing Tennis Center. Top seeded Jankovic will have first round bye and will meet qualifier or Virginie Razzano from France in the second round. Struggling second seeded Ana Ivanovic also gets bye in the first round and waits for either qualifier or Alize Cornet from France. The undoubtedly strongest player in the last three months, Dinara Safina is the third seeded of the tourney and is waiting to meet the first round's winner between wild card Li Na of China or Italian Francesca Schiavone. Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova is fourth seeded and is also directly into the second round to play either qualifier or wild card Peng Shuai from China. Fifth seeded Vera Zvonareva from Russia will play her opening round against Spaniard Annabel Medina Garrigues, while sixth seeded Pole Agnieszka Radwanska will be challenged by 2008 Wimbledon semi-finalist, Zheng Jie of China in the first round battle. Another struggling player after injury is seventh seeded Daniela Hantuchova and she is scheduled to meet Argentinian Gisela Dulko in the first round and finally eight seeded Anna Chakvetadze from Russia will face Danish Caroline Wozniacki in the opening round.

ATP Thailand Open 2008 is entering its sixth year with total prize money of US $ 576,000. The venue is at Impact Arena of Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi outside of metropolitan Bangkok. World number three Novak Djokovic from Serbia is the top seed at the most prestigious ATP event in South East Asia. Djokovic receives first round bye and waits for either French Julian Benneteau or qualifier. Second seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France also gets first round bye. In the second round Tsonga will play either qualifier or Benjamin Becker from Germany. Third and fourth seededs are Czech Tomas Berdych and French Gael Monfils, they both also get first round bye. In the second round Berdych will meet either Italian Simone Bolelli or Thomas Bellucci of Brazil, while Monfils waits for opening match's winner between American Robert Kendrick or qualifier.

The remaining seededs are to play their first round. Fifth seeded lefty Jarkko Nieminen fo Finland will challenged by wild card and younger brother of top seed, Marko Djokovic. Sixth seeded Robin Soderling is to face qualifier; seventh seeded Marat Safin will play against German Philipp Petzschner and eight seeded Austrian Jurgen Melzer will meet young American, Donald Young.

WTA Tier IV "Hansol Korea Open" is topped with world ranked 27 Maria Kirilenko of Russia and world number 35 Israelian Shahar Peer in the draw. Kirilenko will begins her campaign in the first round against lesser known Slovak and ranked 219, Lenka Wienerova. Wienerova's best outcome this year when she won the title at Palic 50K in Serbia this past summer. Peer, as the second seed will face Czech Petra Cetkovska in the opening round. Other matches in the first round are featuring Roland Garros quarter-finalist this year, Estonian Kaia Kanepi is placed as third seeded and is to play against former top 50s, Jamea Jackson from USA who is currently at WTA 271; fourth seeded young Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro will face former top 30s Klara Zakopalova of Czech Republic; fifth seeded and world ranked 50 Pauline Parmentier of France will play against unknown wild card from Korea, Han Sung-Hee; sixth seeded Pole Marta Domachowska will meet Uzbekistan's number one, Akgul Amanmuradova. The remaining seededs are seventh seeded New Zealander Marina Erakovic and eight seeded Taiwanese Chan Yung-Jan. In the first round Erakovic will face experienced Samantha Stosur of Australia, while Chan will meet Mara Santangelo from Italy. Santangelo has been struggling with foot injury and her ranking is now WTA 183.

Russian women rule the world tennis

In the prestigious Tier I event known as "Toray Pan Pacific Open" in Tokyo, Japan, today fourth seeded Dinara Safina captured her third Tier I title of the year by defeating her compatriot, fifth seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova with 6-1, 6-3 victory. Safina's record in the final this season became 4 wins out of 7. While Kuznetsova is still titleless this year and zero win in 4 final appearances.

Safina will have highest ranking of her career tomorrow at WTA 3. If she can continue her stellar form then she can follow her brother's achievement as number one in the world.

Another tourney of Tier III in Guangzhou witnessed Russian domination as well. In today's final top seeded Vera Zvonareva denied China's Peng Shuai first title of her career when she fought back to win 6-7(4), 6-0, 6-2 over the fourth seeded. Zvonareva is now collecting two titles this year after Prague and total with seven titles of her career. While Peng is now 0-2 in finals this season. She was runner-up at Forest Hills in August when she lost to Lucie Safarova.

Sandy Gumulya begins her campaign as top seed qualifying

In much stronger qualifying field than last year, ranked 257 in the world, Sandy Gumulya, is placed as first seeded at "Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital Tennis Classic" in Ashland, Kentucky. The tournament director of this tourney is a dermatologist, Dr. Jack Ditty and his daughter, world ranked 116 Julie Ditty was listed as second seeded here. Today Gumulya will be challenged by 18 years old Croat, Ana Savic. Currently ranked WTA 377, Savic made her best result this year as qualifier to reach semi-final at Gifu, Japan 50K when she bowed out to experienced Thai Tamarine Tanasugarn. While Indonesia's number one Gumulya had her best outcome in 2008 as semi-finalist at Balikpapan 25K where she lost to 17 years old 2008 Wimbledon Junior finalist, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn of Thailand.

If Gumulya could pass the first round of qualifying, then she will meet the winner of match between recent US Open Junior finalist, Gabriela Paz of Venezuela and Egyptian Heidi El Tabakh who is now playing for Canada.

Sandy Gumulya faces big challenge ahead

Number one player of Indonesia, Sandy Gumulya is currently ranked WTA 257 and is about to compete again after WTA Bali. She is listed in the qualifying round at "Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital Tennis Classic" with total prize money of US $ 50,000. The tourney is taking place in Ashland, Kentucky and the venue is at Ashland Tennis Center.

In July 2007, Gumulya had best result of her career by reaching semi-final at Boston 50K. She is now facing tough task ahead to defend her good results in October and November 2007. During this period of time, she reached semi-final of Rockhampton, quarter-final of Gympie and as runner-up at Traralgon, all were 25Ks in Australia. She clinched her first ever title of 25K in Pune, India last November. I bet she has in mind that she wants to improve her ranking to qualify for Australian Open 2009. Her highest ranking was at WTA 228 in May 2008.

This year she has changed her serve style and seemed to make slight improvement in this department. Backhand is notoriously known as her liability. She has also returned to Wilson after she had used Prince racquet which caused her tennis elbow in early part of this season. It is certainly up to Gumulya in terms of setting her short-term target. Home fans are anxious to hear how far she goes in the US tour.

Ayumi Morita got her sweet revenge while 2 seeded players crashed out

Wild card Ayumi Morita fought back in such tight battle and won over Hungarian Agnes Szavay 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4 in the opening round of Toray Pan Pacific Open at Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo. It was indeed Morita's sweet revenge as she lost to Szavay 1-6, 6-4, 4-6 at Roland Garros last June. Morita was all pumped-up and showed her tenacity in keeping the ball in play then forced her opponent to make errors. On the other hand, a rising player last year, Szavay has not found her solid form as top 20 player after Wimbledon till now. Morita waits the winner of 1st round match between 5th seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova and China's number one Li Na.

Sixth seeded Agnieszka Radwanska in her first appearance here in Tokyo made a solid start and defeated wild card Aiko Nakamura with 6-1, 6-4 victory. Next in 2nd round, Radwanska will face Marion Bartoli of France who dispatched Russian Maria Kirilenko 6-2, 6-2. The younger Pole is leading 2-0 in her head to head against Bartoli. In their last meeting at Eastbourne this past summer, Radwanska won 7-5, 6-3 in the semi-final.

Anna Chakvetadze of Russia did not pass the 1st round. As 8th seeded she lost to qualifier Kaia Kanepi from Estonia. Currently ranked WTA 39, Kanepi is now leading 3-1 in her head to head with Chakvetadze. Her last victory was at French Open last summer when she won 6-4, 7-6(2) over Chakvetadze. Kanepi still waits winner of the 1st round match between Virginie Razzano of France and Japanese fans' favorite Ai Sugiyama.

Seventh seeded Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia also did not make it into 2nd round. Still struggling in returning to her best form after injury, Hantuchova bowed out to Italian Francesca Schiavone, 1-6, 5-7. Schiavone is now 3-1 against the Slovak.

Other winners are Flavia Pennetta from Italy beat Shahar Peer of Israel, 6-4, 6-4; Alize Cornet of France edged past qualifier Aleksandra Wozniak from Canada, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3; Slovak Dominika Cibulkova outclassed wild card Amelie Mauresmo of France, 0-6, 6-1, 7-6(8).

Preview: First day at Ariake Colosseum featuring two Japanese

(6) Agnieszka Radwanska vs (WC) Aiko Nakamura

Sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska from Poland will begin her campaign on her 1st visit to the most prestigious tennis event in the land of rising sun. In the 1st round, she will face Japanese wild card Aiko Nakamura on center court. If you haven't heard of her you haven't been paying attention, because she beat Maria Sharapova at the 2007 US Open, and she's also beaten Venus Williams, Martina Hingis, Daniela Hantuchova, Marion Bartoli, Nadia Petrova and Elena Dementieva. Then she defeated world number two Svetlana Kuznetsova at the Australian Open 2008 on her way to the quarter-finals. She won the Wimbledon junior title in 2005 and the French Open juniors in 2006. In the other three grand slams this season, Radwanska finished fourth round at Roland Garros, quarter-final at Wimbledon and another fourth round at US Open. She has collected three titles so far in Pattaya, Istanbul and Eastbourne. On August 4th, this Krakow resident had her highest ranking ever at WTA 9.

In contrast, Aiko Nakamura who is known to use two-hands on both sides, she has been struggling in creating more wins this year. Osaka born Nakamura reached her best world ranking at WTA 47 in August 2007 and since then it has been plummeted to currently WTA 146. Tomorrow's match is going to be her first meeting against Radwanska.

Long rallies is certainly to be seen by the fans as both girls like to hit long shots into the baseline. I think Radwanska is ready to mix the pace in hitting the ball and it will require Nakamura to be patient as well as to keep the ball in play. Once in a while during the match, I will not be surprised to see few dropshots from Radwanska's racket. Radwanska plays a smart game. She doesn’t hit as hard as other girls on the tour and doesn’t have a big serve. She plays great defense, and moves well. I will bet on the younger Pole and she will win in two sets.

Agnes Szavay vs (WC) Ayumi Morita

Agnes Szavay of Hungary is 19 years old and is currently at WTA 19. In 2007 Szavay started to be noticed as a new young gun by improving her ranking from WTA 189 in early of the season and reached WTA 35 in July after she claimed her maiden title at Palermo. As qualifier, this Monte Carlo resident was quite impressive at New Haven and only lost to Kuznetsova in the final. She tasted her first experience of reaching grand slam's quarter-final at US Open where she lost again to Kuznetsova. Szavay got even better when she grabbed her 2nd title in Beijing after edging past world number 3 Jelena Jankovic in three sets. As result, she ended the season at WTA 20.

This year Szavay's best outcome was in Paris Indoor when she became runner-up after losing to Anna Chakvetadze. En route to final, she defeated Daniela Hantuchova and Elena Dementieva. She also had more victories over Dinara Safina and Marion Bartoli then. Her highest ranking was at WTA 13 last April.

Ayumi Morita, 18 years old who plays exactly like her compatriot Aiko Nakamura with both hands on both sides, is no stranger to Szavay. In their first meeting at Roland Garros this year, Szavay won over Morita in three sets. Morita has been the talks of Japanese fans as the strong candidate to follow Ai Sugiyama's success. Last April Morita reached her best rank at WTA 97 but now she is at WTA 162. Like her senior, Nakamura, this season she has been struggling indeed. Her best results thus far are reaching 2nd round in Doha and Amelia Island. Last year Morita had better results and it was highlighted when she was a qualifier, she created surprise win over her mentor, Ai Sugiyama in three sets at Birmingham before she lost to Elena Likhovtseva in third round. Again as qualifier, she cruised into quarter-final at Bali where she bowed out to the eventual runner-up, Daniela Hantuchova.

Szavay and Morita are both fighters and fans are guaranteed to witness groundstroke contest for sure. Szavay will rely on her fast serve and powerful two-handed backhand. In particular, the Hungarian phenom will seize any opportunity to shoot her backhand down-the-line. Speaking of Morita, she is a typical Japanese baseliner and is simply retrieving the ball from one side to another with her powerful two-fisted groundstrokes. But Morita can be vulnerable to Szavay's big shots. So, my pick is Szavay the winner in two sets.

Two Serbians lead the excellent field in Tokyo

Serbians world number 2 Jelena Jankovic and world number 3 Ana Ivanovic topped the draw for "Toray Pan Pacific Open 2008" when it was made on Sunday. Jankovic, who reached the recent final of US Open, has a bye into the second round where she will face Flavia Pennetta from Italy or Israelian Shahar Peer. Ivanovic, a finalist here in Tokyo last year, also has a first round bye, before taking on Nadia Petrova of Russia or qualifier Aravane Rezai from France.

Russia has four seeds in the draw, with number three Elena Dementieva proving she is in great form after winning gold medal at the Olympics and as semi-finalist in the US Open. She receives a first round bye and so does another US Open semi-finalist, fourth seeded Dinara Safina. Dementieva waits the winner of battle between up and coming Alize Cornet of France or qualifier Aleksandra Wozniak from Canada. Safina, the younger sister of Marat Safin will play against Slovak Dominika Cibulkova or wild card and former world number one Amelie Mauresmo of France.

Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, who reached the semi-finals when she played here in Tokyo in 2005, is seeded five, and her opening match is against China’s Li Na, who reached the bronze medal stage of the Beijing Olympics. Poland's counter puncher Agnieszka Radwanska is seeded six, and she opens against Japanese wild card Aiko Nakamura. Slovak Daniela Hantuchova is seventh seed, and she plays Italian Francesca Schiavone in the first round, while eighth seed Anna Chakvetadze of Russia plays qualifier Kaia Kanepi from Estonia.

Main draw matches get underway at Ariake Colosseum, on 16th September, with play continuing until 21st September.

Photo - courtesy of commbanktennis.com

Elbert Sie passes his first tough hurdle

September 15, 2008

Number one Indonesian player, Elbert Sie made a winning start at Thai Men's Future today with impressive turn around after losing the opening set. In the 2nd meeting with Srilankan Harshana Godamanna, Sie tried his best to apply his own game but his opponent was tougher in securing his momentums and closed it out 7-5. In the 2nd set, the challenge by a tall Srilankan was well anticipated by Sie who regained his own rhythm and fought back to win 7-5. In the final set, Sie was much in better shape to take charge of the match by hitting flat yet consistent shots. Bandung born who just turned 21 years old did not waste his time to earn game by game in ending the battle with 6-0.

In the 2nd round, Sie will face Patrick Eichenberger of Switzerland. Ranked ATP 771, Eichenberger surprised 2nd seeded Israelian Amir Weintraub and won 6-4, 6-0. After his singles' victory, Sie and his doubles partner, Mikal Statham of New Zealand returned to the court and played against Siributwong brothers, Kirati and Peerakit. Duo Sie/Statham bowed out 1-6, 3-6 to Thai pair in the 1st round.

Patty Schnyder grabs the title at her favorite tournament

September 14, 2008

Patty Schnyder is a familiar face for loyal WTA Bali fans and she managed to maintain her fine form from US Open in securing her 11th title after the last one in 2005 Cincinnati. After three times appearance in the island of Gods, she is truly the champion now of her favorite tournament in the calendar of Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. She could not ask for anything better than crushed her 12 years younger opponent, Tamira Paszek 6-3, 6-0. She has reason to be proud after winning today's final, she notched her 500 wins of her career!

The second seeded left-hander Swiss had to be competitive in earning points which made her to lead 2-0. Paszek kept on fighting and leveled-up 2 games all. Fans were delighted to witness both players demonstrated unexpected shots. From then on, Schnyder had another break to lead 4-2 and Austrian teenager began to lose her tenacity influenced by tireness of playing three sets two days in a row. In the 2nd set, Basel resident who has been on the tour since August 1994 simply took control of the match and won 6-0. It took just 67 minutes for Schnyder to clinch her Bali victory and to climb back as world number 11 by the time the latest WTA ranking list is released tomorrow. Today's scoreline was slightly better than 1st round match in Dubai earlier this year when Schnyder cruised past Paszek 6-4, 6-0. As the winner, Schnyder pocketed US $ 35,000, while Paszek added her current season earnings with US $ 19,000.

Being runner-up here, Paszek got her best result of the season. Her ranking will rise from WTA 85 to WTA 63 tomorrow. Both Schnyder and Paszek will catch the flight to Guangzhou, China tomorrow to be on time for participating in another Tier 3 tourney with total prize money of US $ 175,000.

Prior to the one-sided singles' final, the fans were entertained with great doubles' final from beginning to end. The 3rd seeded pair of Taiwanese Hsieh Su-Wei and Chinese Peng Shuai won the title for the 1st time together after beating Marta Domachowska/Nadia Petrova (Poland/Russia) 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 10-7 in two hours and two minutes. Tomorrow, Peng and Domachowska will continue their trip to Guangzhou same as Schnyder and Paszek. While Petrova will play Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Japan. As per yesterday, Hsieh withdrew from qualifying round of Toray Pan Pacific.

Photo is Adji Soedibjo's collection

Elbert Sie tries to regain his world rank

September 14, 2008

Number one player of Indonesia, 21 years old Elbert Sie of Bandung had no choice to miss his flight to Bangkok and it paid-off since he won the title at recent "Rizal Mallarangeng Open". This open tourney was part of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series" organized by Sportama. The management of Sportama was very professional in giving cash to Sie for getting new airfare then. Eventually Sie arrived on time in Khonkaen, Thailand to play his 1st leg of Thai Men's Future with total prize money of US $ 10,000.

His 1st round campaign at The Srichapan Tennis Academy turned out to be an upset. On September 2, 2008 immediately he was defeated by 19 years old Thai, Peerakiat Siriluethaiwattana, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6. Currently ranked ATP 930, Sie has been working hard to climb back to his best ranking of ATP 687.

The silver medalist of 2007 SEA Games continued his tour and played the 2nd leg of Thai Men's Future at Rama Gardens Hotel in Laksi. Sie earned his 1st round victory in a fierce match when he cruised past lucky loser Lin Dai-Chiao of Chinese Taipei. Sie won 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3. In 2nd round he forced himself to play with unfit health condition and when he was trailing 5-6 to top seeded Chen Ti of Chinese Taipei then he decided to retire in the 1st set. Chen Ti finally became the winner of this tourney.

In doubles, Sie partnered with Srilankan Harshana Godamanna and they passed 1st round after beating Korean pair, Kim Hyun-Joon/Lim Yong-Kyu 6-3, 6-4. Duo Godamanna/Sie lost 1-6, 2-6 to 4th seeded pair Nathan Thompson/Ryan Young of USA in quarter-final.

In the upcoming final leg of Thai Men's Future in Nonthaburi, based on the singles' draw today, Sie will meet his former doubles' partner, Harshana Godamanna of Srilanka in the opening round. Both players have played before at Thai Men's Future in June 2007 and Sie edged past 23 years old Godamanna, 7-6(2), 6-2.

This week in doubles, Sie made agreement to pair with London born and 21 years old Mikal Statham from New Zealand (ATP 959). Duo Sie/Statham will open their act against local pair, Kirati Siributwong/Peerakit Siributwong in 1st round. The quest for Sie is indeed challenging as he has to defend points of being finalist and quarter-finalist from 2007 Indonesia Men's Future.

Picture by Adji Soedibjo at Thai Futures/Feb/2008

Bali's final preview: showdown of two players from neighboring countries

September 14, 2008

Tamira Paszek of Austria will face 2nd seeded and "veteran" Patty Schnyder from Switzerland in today's final of the Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Nusa Dua, Bali. Yesterday, 17 years old Paszek continued her run by cruising past top seed Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia in such grueling three sets 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. Earlier in the 1st semi-final, Schnyder won a tight 1st set but then crushed 4th seeded Nadia Petrova from Russia in the 2nd set for a 7-5, 6-1 victory.

Schnyder makes her 1st final appearance here in Bali and certainly she is highly motivated to earn her 11th title to be noted in her career record. Her last title was at 2005 Cincinnati. The younger Paszek will be performing her 2nd final of her career. Her 1st final at 2006 Portoroz when she was 15 years old and it was indeed putting her on the list of Open Era Tour's Champions by grabbing the maiden title.

Schnyder and Paszek have battled twice before, splitting the series, 1-1. Paszek created her shock by gunning down Schnyder in their first meeting in the third round of 2007 US Open, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(1). Then at Doha earlier this year the lefty Swiss got her revenge in the first round,winning 6-4, 6-0.

Schnyder has been looking very fit all this week in Bali,while Paszek has shown her determination and has played twice in thrilling three sets. Schnyder with her vast experience should be able to make Paszek uneasy by forcing her to chase her top spins from side to side. By maintaining her calmness and being relaxed, these are advantages for quarter-finalist at recent US Open to end her title drought. On the other hand, Paszek must serve well combined with her strong backhand to counter her opponent's strategy. Her defense will be crucial indeed in retrieving Schnyder's tactical attack. Nevertheless, mental toughness will become vital for both finalists.

Photo - courtesy of commbanktennis.com

Gumulya ended in semi-final

September 13, 2008

Indonesian number 2 junior player Beatrice Gumulya had no reason to be upset with her career best result by reaching semi-final in ITF grade 1 tourney of "Kentucky International Junior Tennis Derby". As 9th seeded Gumulya lost to the eventual champion, 6th seeded Viktoria Kamenskaya of Russia 5-7, 4-6. Partnering with her compatriot, Jessy Rompies, this solid duo and 4th seeded took consolation title by defeating US pair of Jacqueline Cako/Courtney Dolehide 5-7, 6-3, 10-7 in doubles' final. It is their first title in ITF grade 1 tournament after two other titles at Sarawak 2007 (ITF grade 3) and Jakarta 2008 (ITF grade 2).

In boys' doubles, this time Christopher Rungkat partnered with Takanyi Garanganga of Zimbabwe and this pair was placed as 4th seeded. In final, duo Rungkat/Garanganga outclassed by US pair of Matthew Kandath/Ryan Lipman 1-6, 6-7(5).

The three players, Rungkat, Rompies and Gumulya concluded their North American tour and returned to Jakarta, Indonesia.

Bali's semi-finals preview

(1) Daniela Hantuchova versus Tamira Paszek

This is the first meeting between the two players, but certainly Hantuchova walks on the court by far the more experienced player. Currently world ranked 11, early this season Hantuchova reached first career Grand Slam semi-final at Australian Open, while 17 years old Paszek reached her first Tier I quarter-final at Montreal and defeated top seed Ivanovic en route. Paszek finished the fourth round at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year and climbed to No. 35 in the rankings. But she has struggled this year and arrived here at number 85. Nevertheless, Paszek is the only unseeded player in this last four round of the Commonwelath Bank Tennis Classic.

Out of the tour for 10 weeks due to stress fracture, Hantuchova has been struggling with her performance since Wimbledon up to US Open and she is certainly happy to be in semi-final here. In the last two matches against Savchuk and Chan, it was obvious that Hantuchova looked rusty in her overall game. In order to win the battle, Hantuchova needs to utilize her solid ground strokes off both wings. Her movement will be crucial indeed in covering the court and she is to make sure to mix it up as much as possible and not allow the teenager to just fire away.

Can Paszek prevail? Indeed, she has a chance. After all she was capable of edging Ivanovic in a bigger event. If she can keep her nerve, throwing a bet on her hefty underdog odds would payout nicely. Paszek needs to maintain her patience combined with tenacity and a whiplash backhand. It is important for her to be aggressive all the time so that she can produce surprising winners. She needs to go for her big shots and connect on crucial points.

(2) Patty Schnyder versus (4) Nadia Petrova

In this afternoon's semi-final, it is going to be their twelve meetings. At this point, lefty Schnyder still leads 6-5 overall. But in the last meeting at Toronto in 2007, Petrova won the battle in two sets, 6-4, 6-1. Reaching two quarter-finals at French Open 2008 and recent US Open could bring Schnyder high confidence as she demonstrated in her victory over Domachowska yesterday. On the other hand, Petrova who had her best ranking at WTA 3 in 2006, she has been working hard to bring back her fine form and so far in her only 2nd visit to Bali after 2004, Petrova has been showing solid game with strong ground strokes.

It will be an interesting match for sure. Schnyder will rely on her top spins most of the time. Her persistence and patience will be crucial in long rallies. While Petrova must be strong in her serve along with her blistering forehand to penetrate Schnyder's defense. Only the player with better mental toughness and sound strategy will prevail eventually.

Photos - courtesy of Aussie Open.com

Beatrice Gumulya cruised into semi-final

September 12, 2008

World junior number 63 Beatrice Gumulya created her best result ever in ITF grade 1 tournament by reaching semi-final at "Kentucky International Junior Tennis Derby" in Lexington, Kentucky. So far, still titleless Gumulya has recorded 3rd round as her best outcome in ITF grade 1 tourney. Ninth seeded in this event, Gumulya had 1st round bye and in 2nd round she defeated Monica Yajima of USA 6-4, 7-6(7). In 3rd round, she challenged 7th seed Bianca Swanepoel of South Africa and won such tough battle 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. In quarter-final, Gumulya maintained her fine form by shocking top seed Noppawan Lertcheewakarn of Thailand 6-3, 6-4. It was Gumulya's first victory over 2008 Wimbledon's runner-up Lertcheewakarn. In the two previous meetings, both in 2008, the Thai tennis prodigy was the winner. In semi-final, Gumulya will face sixth seeded Viktoria Kamenskaya from Russia.

Meanwhile, Gumulya's compatriot Jessy Rompies who had the privilege as third seed lost in 3rd round. Rompies kept on struggling and bowed out to 15th seed Jacqueline Cako of USA 3-6, 6-3, 2-6. The only boy representative of Indonesia, Christopher Rungkat had slightly better result than Rompies. Fourth seeded Rungkat managed to win over 15th seed Johannes Robert Van Overbeek (USA) 6-3, 6-2 in 3rd round. In quarter final, Rungkat could not prevail and lost 3-6, 0-6 to 11th seed Hiroyasu Ehara from Japan.

Photo is courtesy of US Open website

Domachowska survived the thriller and booked her place in quarter-final

September 10, 2008

Currently ranked WTA 57, Marta Domachowska became the 1st player to secure a place in quarter-final of the Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic on this Wednesday afternoon at the Grand Hyatt, Nusa Dua, Bali. In her third visit to this prestigious tourney as part of Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, 22 years old from Warsaw, Poland made her best result in Bali this time . In 2004, as qualifier, she lost immediately in 1st round then in 2005 again she had an early exit in 1st round. In today's 2nd round, her opponent was very familiar indeed, the oldest player in top 100s - the one and only Jill Craybas of USA who is 34 years old and at present is ranked WTA 76. Coming to this match, Domachowska had reason to be confident since she has won 4 times over Craybas in all their four meetings. Their last battle was at Wimbledon this year and Domachowska prevailed as the winner in three sets.

As the 1st match of the day on center court, Domachowska was able to take early control in 1st set and she closed it out 6-3. Then in 2nd set, the intensity of the match got tighter as both players fought point by point closely. This year's runner-up of Pattaya Open, Craybas eventually had stronger mental toughness to win 7-6(5) and forced her nemesis into 3rd set. In the final set, Craybas kept on challenging her younger opponent but in the end, Domachowska secured her own game to defeat Craybas 6-4 after 2 hours and 24 minutes. In this grueling long fight, Domachowska had 5 aces and 11 double faults, while Craybas had 10 double faults.

It is indeed Domachowska's 1st quarter-final of this season. Her best performance this year, as qualifier she managed to reach 4th round at Australian Open when she bowed out to Venus Williams. Meanhwile, it is Craybas' best result by reaching 2nd round in Bali. After all she had 1st round losses in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007.

Photo is courtesy of Aussie Open.com

Three local players bowed out immediately

September 8, 2008

Main draw matches of the Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic 2008 got underway at the Grand Hyatt, Nusa Dua, Bali this afternoon. In its final stage this year, the tourney is part of Sony Ericsson WTA Tour with total prize money of $ 225,000. Three Indonesian players were among the entrants of its main draw in this prestigious event in South East Asia.

After the withdrawal of sixth seed, Li Na from China due to right knee injury today, 20 years old Lavinia Tananta received lucky loser and entitled to play in the main draw. Tananta (WTA 542) played the 1st match of the day at 3 pm on center court and she faced Polish Marta Domachowska (WTA 57) who has improved her ranking from WTA 146 up to her latest one. Domachowska had to go through qualifying round at Australia Open 2008 which she eventually performed her best result ever in any of grand slam career by reaching fourth round only to lose to Venus Williams. Tananta went out there and tried her utmost, but in the end, Domachowska was a better player and won 6-2, 6-3. Despite her early exit, Tananta could not be happier since she pocketed an unexpected $ 1,665 into her bank account.

Fifth seed from Milan, Italy, Francesca Schiavone (WTA 28) made a sweet return to Bali by defeating qualifier, Sandy Gumulya (WTA 264) 6-2, 6-0. Schiavone last time played here in Bali in 2005 and she ended-up as finalist. Currently number one in Indonesia, Gumulya had an early 2-0 lead but experienced Schiavone quickly knew what to do towards her opponent then managed to earn the next 12 games in a row. As usual, Gumulya relied on her forehand almost in the entire match and she was reluctant to utilize her backhand when needed.

Meanwhile in the next match, a big server from Uzbekistan, Akgul Amanmuradova (WTA 78) did not have to work hard to beat another qualifier, Ayu Fani Damayanti (WTA 823) 6-2, 6-1. Same as her compatriot, Gumulya, Balinese Damayanti quickly lead 2-0 in the early match and then Amanmuradova took charge of the whole match by serving 7 aces. Both Amanmuradova and Damayanti had 2 double faults.

On Sunday, September 7, 2008 the qualifying round was half of the full capacity. Total of 8 players were directly playing its final qualifying round. Damayanti edged past her compatriot, Tananta 6-2, 6-4. Gumulya gunned down Shikka Uberoi of India (WTA 772) 6-1, 6-3, while veteran and unranked Liza Andriyani lost to Olga Savchuk of Ukraine (WTA 121) 0-6, 0-6. Last but not least, Natalie Grandin from South Africa (WTA 305) defeated Ipek Senoglu of Turkey (WTA 849) 6-4, 6-1.

Photo - courtesy of commbanktennis.com