Elbert Sie lifted the trophy at "Alfamart Cup"

Numero uno of Indonesia, Elbert Sie, a Bandung resident added "Bandung success story" at "Alfamart Cup" as part of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series". Sie had a sweet revenge in the final after he fought brilliantly to win over second seed Christopher Rungkat 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. Top seed Sie lost to Rungkat in the semi-finals of the fourth serie in Solo sponsored by BTPN. Till this tourney, Sie has been taking part in total of three series as he won the title in the 3rd serie which was his 1st participation in "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series".

As counter puncher, Sie is known for his persistency and strong fight attitude similar to Aussie Lleyton Hewitt. While Rungkat has complete strokes and he could play with choices of stroke as needed. Sie suffered two bad calls which made 2-2 in the early opening set and since then Sie lost his focus and became emotional as Rungkat bombarded his attacks from the baseline.

The match got so close from point to point and it was obvious causing both players to wear down gradually. Fast ball speed was dominant throughout the match with combination of top spins and flat returns from Sie and Rungkat. Eventually, Sie won the two remaining sets 7-5, 7-5.

This season both players tie at 2-2 in their head to head till the recent final. They looked forward to play against each other in the coming soon of "Garuda Indonesia Masters" on December 9, 2008 along with six other players.

Photo of Sie is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setiyadi from Kompas Images

Widjaja returned and claimed two titles in Jakarta

Former WTA 55 Angelique "Angie" Widjaja made her fans happy as she returned to play singles and grabbed the title at "Alfamart Cup", the fifth serie or final one as part of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series". These series of tourney has been organized by Angie and her team of former tennis players under the name of "Sportama".

Ever since the first serie was held, Angie has played only in doubles until the previous serie in Solo, Central Java where she was stopped by the eventual champion, Ayu Fani Damayanti in the singles' semi-final. In the quarter-final, as wild card Angie slammed Beatrice Gumulya 6-2, 7-5. Realizing her prospect to play in "Garuda Indonesia Masters" on December 9, 2008, then she decided to compete again in the final serie here at Sultan Hotel Executive Club, Jakarta. As wild card, Angie saw off teenager Tria Rizki Amalia 6-1, 6-3 in the opening round. Sixth seeded Mia Sacca was ousted by Angie 2-6, 0-6 in the second round.

In the quarter-final Angie was actually having "real final" against up and coming Grace Sari Ysidora. Both players used to be coach by Meiske Wiguna and then Angie for many years till she became pro with two WTA titles was trained by Deddy Tedjamukti. Tedjamukti then began to coach Ysidora and it has been almost a year now. In this match, both players Angie and Ysidora demonstrated their solid groundstrokes with long rallies involved. In the first set, Angie was leading 2-5 but then Ysidora fought back to level at 5 all. Eventually Angie complemented with her vast experience was able to secure the opening set 7-5.

In the second set, Angie took another lead, 5-1 but again Ysidora did not give up instead she fought hard to level it at 5 all. "De javu" as Angie closed it out 7-5. Angie praised her junior that she is talented with strong return serve but she added that Ysidora still lacked of mental toughness in finishing critical points. These two Bandung residents spent 2 hours and 7 minutes on the center court. In my opinion, Angie was still solid in her groundstrokes and for sure her well-known moon balls were quite effective but this time Ysidora pocketed the answers to handle them. Ysidora hit two aces during the match and she said that she was happy despite another defeat. In the first meeting with her senior at National Games' team event, Ysidora lost to Angie 6-2, 3-6, 5-7. She admitted that back then she still had problem in hitting back Angie's notorious moon balls.

In the semi-final, Angie gave shock theraphy and gunned down second seed Jessy Rompies 6-3, 7-6(11). It was quite good match indeed to witness. Rompies scared Angie with four aces but she also had three double faults. The other last four round was battle between top seed Lavinia Tananta and fourth seed Liza Andriyani. Andriyani stole the show with victory over Tananta 4-6, 6-1, 7-5. It was a big shock for Martina Widjaja's camp as Rompies and Tananta bowed out. Big question over the quality of their coaching method and tour management. After all, these young girls lost to their seniors who have lack of training exposure and no more overseas stints.

In the final, it was relatively easy for Angie to disptach Andriyani 6-3, 6-2. With this outcome, Angie is entitled to play at "Garuda Indonesia Masters" with the other seven players including Damayanti, Andriyani, Tananta and Ysidora to name a few.

In doubles, as top seeded Angie/Andriyani took the title as they defeated third seeded Septi Mende/Ysidora 6-1, 6-2. It was an anti-climax performance by Mende/Ysidora after their surprise victory over second seeded pair, Rompies/Tananta 7-6(6), 6-3 in the semi-final. It was such a blow for "Big Mama's camp". Ysidora was truly the star with her explosive return-serve.

Photo of Angie is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setiyadi in Kompas Images

Photo of Andriyani is by Adji Soedibjo published in indotennis.com

Sandy Gumulya forced to bid "sayonara" in the land of Geisha

The current number one of Indonesia Sandy Gumulya as per this week experienced her rank plummetted from WTA 250 to WTA 298. This new world rank is indeed lower than Gumulya's year-end rank at 243 in 2007. This week she participated in her 15th tourney of the season at “2008 Dunlop World Challenge Tennis Tournament”.

This tournament is fully sponsored by Toyota with total prize money of $ 75,000 and is staged at Sky Hall Toyota in Taraflex carpet indoor located in the city of Toyota, Aichi-prefecture, Japan. In the first round Gumulya crashed out immediately after defeated by lefty 18 years old from China, Han Xinyun 2-6, 3-6.

As the main draw was released last Sunday (11/23/2008), I have predicted that Gumulya would not have an easy match and even it was possible to lose in the end. I have met Han and witnessed her match at 2008 WTA Pattaya Open in early February. Despite her loss in the first round of qualifying against her compatriot Xu Yi-Fan in three sets, I acknowledged this Gemini girl as persistent, tough and equipped with quite solid ground strokes.

I was amazed with her track of record as rookie in pro level. In her first ever pro tourney in the month of November 2007, Han was given wild card in the main draw of 75K at Xiamen, China. She only bowed out to Chan Yung-Jan of Chinese Taipei in the quarter-final. This week in Toyota, it is her 13th tourney of the year. In doubles, Han's performance has been good as again in Xiamen she grabbed doubles title with Xu Yi-Fan. While her partnership with Xu reached its peak when they finished as runner-up at China Open Tier II in Beijing last September. It was no surprise at all that former tennis queen of Japan, Kimiko Date-Krumm requested Han to be her doubles partner at Toyota this week.

In the meantime, Gumulya agreed to partner with Kiwi Sacha Jones, a young New Zealander who was recently outclassed by Ayu Fani Damayanti in the final at Manila 10K this past week-end. Duo Gumulya/Jones put a strong fight in the opening round but eventually they were ousted by Yuka Kuroda/Ksenia Lykina (Japan/Russia) 6-3, 3-6, 5-10.

Photo is courtesy of commbanktennis.com

Nadia Frederika regained her confidence to win Singapore Grade 5

Top seeded Nadia Frederika demonstrated her excellent form and brought home the singles title of "HEAD Singapore ITF Junior Championships" an ITF Grade 5 tourney at Kallang Tennis Centre, in the Mecca of shopping parade of the region. On Saturday's final, Frederika faced strong competition by second seeded Singaporean, Stefanie Li-Yun Tan. Both players were for the first time battling each other. Jakarta resident who has been trained at International Tennis Academy in Delray Beach, Florida barely took the opening set, 6-4. Then this potential Singaporean who had the exposure of training with Daniel Heryanta, a former Indonesian player and currently is still coaching in the land of Asian Idol Hady Mirza, fought back and forced the rubber with 7-5 victory. In the final set, a rejuvenated Frederika came through with sizzling groundstrokes that wore out Tan, who could only secured one game in the third set. Nevertheless, long and tight rally exchanges between the two girls were the "main course" along the match.

Now Frederika added her second singles titles after Mexico Grade 5 in 2007 when she claimed her maiden title in ITF junior circuit.

Photo is courtesy of Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association

Resurgent Damayanti claimed two titles at Manila 10K as Indonesia maintained its clean sweep

Seventh seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti took turn in taking singles and doubles titles at the second leg of "PLDT-SMART ITF Women's Circuit" in Manila, on the land of Cory Aquino. She emulated what her fellow country woman, Lavinia Tananta, created last week when she grabbed singles and doubles titles in the first leg of a tourney with total prize money of $ 10,000 also here in Manila. It was certainly an early yet perfect birthday present for herself today, as this talented Balinese girl will turn 20 years old on November 29, 2008. Only playing her 6th tourneys of the year and just her 2nd overseas tourney in 2008, Damayanti secured her second final in two weeks and overall in her pro career, she has appeared in 8 finals of 10K including these last two in Manila. In terms of 10K's singles titles, she is now having 3 titles after Jakarta in 2005 and 2006.

It was indeed a sweet revenge scored by Damayanti in the final. She lost to her opponent and top seeded Sacha Jones of New Zealand early this year at Group I Asia Oceania Fed Cup Qualifying in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Damayanti's strategy complemented with her strong will paid off in damaging Kiwi rising star with 7-6(5), 6-2 victory. In the semi-final, this "new kid on the block" of the elite camp financed by Martina Widjaja denied the effort of her younger fellow country woman Jessy Rompies and Damayanti won comfortably 6-4, 6-1. It was both players' first ever meeting in overseas and pro circuit despite of many battles between them at national tourneys back home. As for teenager Rompies, she recorded her 4th semi-final appearance of 10K after 2006 in Jakarta and 2007 in Khonkhan and Bangkok both in Thailand.

In the semi-final, talented Kiwi Jones rallied past South Korean Kang Seo-Kyung, 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-1. As runner-up here, it was Jones' best result of the season in 10K. This year this Auckland born and resident has played only one 10K so far away in Toluca, Mexico before these two weeks in Manila. As of now excluding the latest two of Manila 10Ks, Jones has played in 16 tournaments comprised of Auckland Tier 4, Australian Open Grand Slam qualifying, 11 of 25Ks, and twice of 50Ks. Today, she flew right away to Nagoya, Japan as she is listed in the main draw of 75K tourney.

Damayanti who partnered with Rompies and placed as fourth seeded took the doubles title by gunning down qualifier Juan Ting-Fei/Zhong Yi (Chinese Taipei/China) 7-6(2), 6-3 in the final. It was her second doubles title here in Manila after she earned it in 2004 with Septi Mende. In all 10Ks level, Damayanti has appeared in 12 doubles' finals and is collecting total of 8 doubles' titles till now. Her only doubles title this season was with Liza Andriyani at Tarakan last May.

While Rompies continued her impressive and perfect record in 10K's doubles, she is now holding 4 titles of her four final stints. Last year she had two titles in Jakarta and Khonkan, Thailand and yesterday, she made it back to back after last week with Tananta.

Photo of Damayanti is courtesy of www.indotennis.com

Damayanti and Rompies set up all Indonesian semi-final

Seventh seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti and unseeded Jessy Rompies secured their semi-final berth after they were among the quarter-final's winners at the second leg of "PLDT-SMART ITF Women's Circuit" in Manila, Philippines. With total prize money of $ 10,000, Indonesia is guaranteed to have representative in the final since Damayanti and Rompies will play against each other. In the last eight round, Damayanti denied the fighting spirit of French qualifier, Elodie Rogge-Dietrich and posted two weeks in a row of her semi-final appearance. The Balinese girl saw off Rogge-Dietrich 7-5, 6-4 in the quarter-final today. Damayanti's next opponent in the last four round will be her compatriot Rompies. In early stage of her transition from junior circuit to senior pro, Rompies created a surprise victory over fourth seeded Yumi Nakano of Japan. In the other quarter-final match today, Rompies simply outclassed experienced Nakano with comfortable 6-1, 6-2 victory.

Damayanti clinched her back to back semi-final and hoped to emulate what she did last week to go all the way to final. Certainly Damayanti will want to end her title drought since May 2006. In her fourth semi-final appearance of her career tomorrow, Rompies did not want to end as three-time semi-finalist of 10K. It will be the first meeting between Damayanti and younger Rompies in senior pro.

Fifth seeded Lavinia Tananta could not extend her seven winning streak as it was stopped by top seeded Sacha Jones of New Zealand. In another match of last eight round, Tananta did everything to gun down Jones but the Kiwi girl played better and tougher than her opponent and won 6-2, 7-6(5). Now Jones leads 3-0 against Tananta.

In doubles, fourth seeded Rompies/Damayanti toppled top seeded Japanese pair, Tomoko Dokei/Tomoko Taira 7-6(1), 6-0 in the semi-final. The Indonesian duo will face qualifier, Juan Ting-Fei/Zhong Yi (Chinese Taipei/China) in the final tomorrow. Juan/Zhong defeated Sacha Jones/Yoshimi Kawasaki (New Zealand/Japan) 6-4, 6-3 in the last four round.

Photo of Sacha Jones is courtesy of tennisnz.com

Nadia Frederika reached final at Singapore Grade 5

Top seeded Nadia Frederika continued her winning streak and reached the final of "HEAD Singapore ITF Junior Championships" an ITF Grade 5 tourney at Kallang Tennis Centre, in the Lion city. In today's semi-final, Frederika ousted wild card and fourth seeded Este Potgieter from South Africa. In the opening set, Frederika played tough in critical moments and got through the fierce challenge by her opponent Potgieter. Frederika stayed focus in tie break then closed it out 7-6(3). In the second set, Frederika kept the ball in play combined with powerful groundstrokes. It was typical of this Jakarta resident to grunt every time she hit the ball. Finally, Frederika stopped her opponent's persistency in the second set and prevailed with 6-3 victory.

In the quarter-final, Frederika made a relatively easy win over Srilankan Amreetha Muttiah 6-3, 6-3. In the final, a perfect battle will be staged as Frederika will clash with second seeded Singaporean, Stefanie Li-Yun Tan. In the other semi-final match today, Tan had to give it all in a groundstroke contest with third seeded Jang Yi-Bei of Chinese Taipei. Playing at home, she took the advantage of it and rallied back to beat Jang 3-6, 7-5, 6-1.

Frederika is certainly happy with her outcome so far and it is indeed good for regaining her confidence after six losses in early rounds of the previous six tournaments. Her first ever playing was at Mexico Grade 5 in 2007 when she grabbed her maiden title in ITF junior circuit and Frederika's only title up to now.

Tan is a familiar face to Frederika as these two girls had doubles partnership here but crashed out in the first round. Two months older than her doubles partner Frederika, by appearing in the final, she has improved her 2007's performance here in this tourney. Last year Tan was a quarter-finalist. This season, Tan's best result was at Hong Kong Grade 4 when she came out as runner-up. Same as Tan, Frederika also recorded her top outcome this year as runner-up at Guatemala Grade 4. It will be interesting to witness both players in the final tomorrow. Frederika will attempt to bag her second title of her junior career, while Tan will try to take her first title on home soil.

In doubles, in the quarter-final Dina Karina/Kely Restiana Putri bowed out to third seeded pair Neesha Thirumalaichelvam/Feng Yidi (Malaysia/Hong Kong) 1-6, 2-6.

Photo is courtesy of regentville.com

Back to back quarter-finals for Indonesian girls at Manila 10K

Fifth seeded Lavinia Tananta, seventh seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti and Jessy Rompies continued their winning trend in the second round at "PLDT-SMART ITF Women's Circuit" in Manila today. In the second leg tournament with total prize money of US $ 10,000 all these three players repeated their appearance in quarter-final same as last week.

Tananta forced to work hard by her opponent, a South Korean qualifier Yoo Mi in the opening set. Tie break was certainly a long one but in the nick of time, Tananta was slightly better in critical points and closed it out 7-6(10). In the second set, Tananta shifted her game and took in charge of the battle then dispatched Yoo, 6-2. In the quarter-final, Tananta will challenge top seeded Sacha Jones of New Zealand. Jones leads head to head with Tananta, 2-0. In the other second round match, Auckland born Jones booted out Australian Renee Binnie 6-3, 6-0.

Another Indonesian seeded player in the main draw, seventh seeded Damayanti won easily 6-1, 6-1 over Chinese qualifier, Yang Yi. In the last eight round, Damayanti will clash with another qualifier from France, Elodie Rogge-Dietrich. In today's second round, Rogge-Dietrich shocked second seeded Lu Jia-Jing of China with relatively easy victory, 6-3, 6-2.

Indonesian teenager Jessy Rompies also made an easy work in dumping qualifier of Lichtenstein, Marina Novak 6-3, 6-2. In the quarter-final, Rompies will play against fourth seeded Yumi Nakano from Japan. Nakano faced slight difficulty to defeat local qualifier Anna-Christine Patrimonio but eventually she prevailed to win 7-5, 6-3.

In doubles, fourth seeded pair Rompies/Damayanti moved into semi-final after they survive such close quarter-final match against Kao Shao-Yuan/Liu Min (Chinese Taipei/China) with 6-7(7), 6-1, 10-7 victory. In the last four round, Rompies/Damayanti will face top seeded pair from Japan, Tomoko Dokei/Tomoko Taira. Meanwhile second seeded duet Alisa Ogorodova of Uzbekistan and Tananta bowed out to Sacha Jones/Yoshimi Kawasaki 2-6, 4-6 in the quarter-final.

Photo of Yumi Nakano is courtesy of ph.news.yahoo.com

Nadia Frederika through into quarter-final at Singapore Grade 5

The only Indonesian player still alive, Nadia Frederika made it into the last eight round of “Head Singapore ITF Junior Championships” which is taking place at Kallang Tennis Centre, on the city island of uncle Lee. Equipped with her vast experience in junior circuit augmented with her power, top seed Frederika (ITF 286) played really well to end the challenge of Natasha Palha of India (ITF 938) and prevailed to win 6-2, 6-2 in the second round today. For Frederika, this is already her 14th tournaments over the year and in fact she had not played any tourney of Grade 5 ever since she grabbed her maiden title at Mexico Grade 5 in 2007. While for Palha, this Singapore tourney is only her 6th tournaments in 2008 and she recorded her best outcome as quarter-finalist at Srilanka Grade 5 only a month ago.

In the quarter-final, Frederika will face Amritha Muttiah from Srilanka. In the second round Muttiah defeated Huang Hui-I from Chinese Taipei 7-6(4), 6-3. Muttiah is 16 years old and her highest rank was at ITF 757. Along her junior career, this Srilankan clinched her top result as semi-finalist at Srilanka Grade 5 last year.

Local player and second seeded, Stefanie Li-Yun Tan also through into the last eight round. In the second round, Tan bumped off Zainab Ali Sajjad of India 6-3, 6-0. Dina Karina and Kely Restiana Putri who already lost in singles, they will try to do their best in doubles' quarter-final tomorrow. Karina/Putri will play against third seeded pair, Neesha Thirumalaichelvam/Feng Yidi (Malaysia/Hong Kong).

Photo - courtesy of Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association

Up and coming Lertcheewakarn into quarter-final in Kolkata

Thai sensation Noppawan "Nok" Lertcheewakarn booked her place in the quarter-final of "the Gujarat NRE Coke $ 50,000 ITF Women's Challenger 2008" today. The tourney is taking place in Kolkata, India and unseeded Lertcheewakarn made a major upset by defeating top seeded Melanie South of Great Britain in the second round. It was a sweet birthday celebration with such victory for her who just turned 17 years old yesterday (11/18/2008). She stormed back from a set down to eliminate world ranked 117 South in three sets battle 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. The Chiangmai teenager, who finished as runner-up in 2008 Wimbledon Junior and won 2008 US Open Junior doubles' title, will play quarter-final with the second round winner between Elora Dabija of Romania and Leonie Mekel of the Netherlands.

Last week, this winner of Balikpapan 25K in early May, only finished in second round qualifying at Pune 25K. Last month in Taipei 100K, Lertcheewakarn had an impressive result as quarter-finalist. Her biggest win so far was over top 100 player. She gunned down world ranked 97 Melinda Czink of Hungary 6-4, 6-2 in the final qualifying of 2007 Pattaya Open.

Her senior compatriot Suchanun Viratprasert(WTA-263), the other Thai hope in the main draw, could not get through the second round. Viratprasert easily lost 0-6, 2-6 to eighth seeded Chang Kai-Chen of Chinese Taipei.

Photo by Adji Soedibjo at 2008 Pattaya Open

Tananta, Damayanti sailed into the second round in Manila 10K

Fifth seeded Lavinia Tananta and seventh seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti were among the winners in the first round at "PLDT-SMART ITF Women's Circuit" in Manila today. In the second leg tournament with total prize money of US $ 10,000 both Tananta and Damayanti joined their compatriot, 18 years old Jessy Rompies who already advanced to the second round yesterday.

Tananta faced strong challenge from experienced Cassandra Barr of Australia especially in the opening set. Barr took the first set 6-4 which involved rally exchanges from both players. Tananta regrouped herself and bounced back to seal 6-3, 6-1 victory in the two remaining sets. Barr started her pro circuit in 1999 and it was in 2006 she reached her best achievements of her career when she became runner-up at Taipei 10K and quarter-finalist at Pune 25K in India. This year she reached three of 10K's quarter-finals at Solo, Jakarta, and as far away as Petroria, South Africa. Interesting to see the fact that Gumulya sisters have stopped her. In Solo, Barr bowed out to Sandy Gumulya, while in Jakarta she lost to the eventual winner, Beatrice Gumulya.

In the second round, Semarang born Tananta will play against South Korean qualifier, Yoo Mi. In the other opening round match today, Yoo demonstrated her awesome fighting spirit and pipped China's Qiu Si-Si 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-2.

Another Indonesian in the main draw, seventh seeded Damayanti did not have much trouble in defeating local wild card, Michelle Pang 6-1, 6-3. In the second round, Damayanti will be challenged by qualifier from China, Yang Yi. In another first round match, Yang blasted local wild card and teenager, Jessica-Marie Agra 6-2, 6-2.

Other seeded players, second seeded Lu Jia-Jing of China and fourth seeded Yumi Nakano from Japan also advanced into the second round.

In doubles, fourth seeded pair Rompies/Damayanti cruised into quarter-final after they ousted Renee Binnie/Nguyen Thuy-Dung (Australia/Vietnam) 6-4, 6-1.

Photo is courtesy of commbanktennis.com

Kazakhstan can be a threat at 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou

The biggest multi-event in Asia will be held in Guangzhou, China and it is only 2 years away till 2010 Asian Games kicks-off eventually. Indonesian tennis had long history since 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok all the way to 2002 Asiad in Busan with its tradition of collecting at least a gold medal. At the last 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, for the first time Indonesian tennis team went home with an empty bag.

Ever since the departure of former star Angelique Widjaja from the tour, Indonesian tennis fans no longer can witness any local player to compete as main draw’s direct entrant into at least tier IV tournament which is part of Sony Ericsson WTA tour. In 2009, it gets even tougher to participate in International Series as tier III and IV are gone. In the meantime, other countries are in better shape with notable players such as Tamarine Tanasugarn, Li Na, Zheng Jie, Sania Mirza, Chan Yung-Jan, Ayumi Morita, Akgul Amanmuradova.

It is widely known that Russia has become tennis powerhouse with many talented players. It is obvious that the competition is very tight among Russian players themselves in gaining world class status. Two women players from Russia, Yaroslava Shvedova and Galina Voskoboeva have moved to play for Kazakhstan this year. It will not be a surprise to find out later on that Shvedova and Voskoboeva may team-up for their new country in any team event such as Fed Cup or Asian Games.

Both Shvedova and Voskoboeva are familiar faces for avid tennis fans at WTA Bali in recent years. 21 years old Shvedova despite of her highest ranking at WTA 70 last year, at this point she is at WTA 91. In 2007 she claimed her maiden title in WTA tour at Bangalore and her only title till now. This season her best outcome was at Monterrey 100K in Mexico where she was the winner. Shvedova also made into the main draw of US Open 2008 from qualifying round but bowed out to Agnieszka Radwanska in the opening round.

In the meantime, Galina Voskoboeva, three years older than Shvedova is currently ranked at WTA 94. This year she closed with her best result in WTA tour as quarter-finalist at Quebec City. In Roland Garros 2008, partnering with American Ashley Harkleroad, she reached doubles' quarter-final.

The same exodus also can be witnessed in the men's side. Andrey Golubev, resident of Bra in Italy has joined his fellow Russians to play for Kazakhstan. Golubev is also 21 years old and is currently ranked at ATP 94. His best achievement this season was his sensational run into the final of ATP tourney in St. Petersburg, Russia. En route to the final, he saw off former world number one Marat Safin and eventually crushed by Andy Murray who defended his title.

Another Russian is 29 years old Yuriy Schukin and now he has moved to play for Kazakhstan as well. Schukin is currently ranked at ATP 187 and teamed-up with Golubev, they already played for Kazakhstan's Davis Cup squad in its Asia Oceania Group I play-off against the Philippines.

In the recent Asian Hopman Cup in Aztana, Kazakhstan, both Shvedova and Golubev represented their adopting country. In the final tie in Group A, Kazakhstan defeated Thailand. Shvedova won easily over Thai veteran Tamarine "Tammy" Tanasugarn 6-1, 6-2, while Golubev clinched 7-5, 7-5 victory over Danai Udomchoke. In the final, Kazakhstan bowed out to Chinese Taipei as both Shvedova lost to Hsieh Su-Wei then Golubev outclassed by Lu Yen-Hsun. Therefore, Chinese Taipei was eligible to join the other teams from USA, Russia, France, Australia, Italy, Germany, and Slovak Republic at Hyundai Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia early January 2009.

Time is ticking and at this moment Indonesian men and women players still have a lot to catch-up in terms of quality. Right now, our top male player Elbert Sie is only ranked at ATP 1390 after his highest rank at ATP 687 in 2007. Meanwhile, the current queen of Indonesia, Sandy Gumulya is ranked at WTA 250. Gumulya's ranking will slide down to WTA 290s next week since she lost her winner's points from Pune 25K last year. Much strategic work must be performed by our players to be highly competitive in the upcoming Guangzhou's Asian Games. We are all tennis freaks anxiously waiting for a major improvement indeed or we will topple the current regime of Indonesia Tennis Association!!!

Photos are courtesy of zimbio.com

Nadia Frederika breezed through into second round in Singapore

Top seeded Nadia Frederika had smooth performance as she advanced into the second round of "Head Singapore ITF Junior Circuit" an ITF Grade 5 tournament. In the opening round, soon to be 16 years old on November 26, Frederika crushed wild card Singaporean, Anne Lien-Hui Tan with 6-1, 6-1 victory. In the last two years, a tall girl from Jakarta has been trained at International Tennis Academy in Delray Beach, Florida and only recently she returned home to continue her tour in the region. Only in her second tourney upon her arrival in the US, Frederika as qualifier made an impressive run to claim her maiden title of her junior career at Mexico Grade 5 in early 2007. This season Frederika recorded her best result at Guatemala Grade 4 where she finished as runner-up.

In the second round, Frederika will be challenged by Indian Natasha Palha who defeated Huey-Teng Sia of Singapore 6-3, 6-2. Meanwhile two younger Indonesians immediately crashed out in the first round today. Dina Karina, 14 years old, bowed out to wild card and fourth seeded Este Potgieter of South Africa 0-6, 2-6. Karina is currently coached by Deddy Tedjamukti same as Grace Sari Ysidora and Frederika at newly established "Sportama Tennis Institute" owned by former WTA 55, Angelique "Angie" Widjaja. Another Indonesian, 13 years old Kely Restiana Putri lost to sixth seeded Neesha Thirumalaichelvam from Malaysia 1-6, 2-6. Putri has been trained with Deddy Prasetyo in Jakarta.

Two seeded players became early casualties in the opening round. Fifth seeded Thai, Benyapa Phumtip lost to Amritha Muttiah of Srilanka 4-6, 3-6. Then seventh seeded Kanika Vaidya from India bowed out to Siriporn Phakamad of Thailand 3-6, 4-6.

In doubles, surprisingly top seeded pair comprised of Frederika and Singaporean Stefanie Li-Yun Tan lost to Siriporn Phakamad/Wan-Yi Sweeting (Thailand/Australia) 4-6, 5-7 in the first round. Different result was created by duo Karina/Putri to advance into quater-final. The younger Indonesian duet gunned down Singaporean pair, Nicole Rosenberger/Chelsea Foong 6-1, 6-1 in the opening round.

Photo of Frederika - courtesy of Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association

Jessy Rompies stunned sixth seeded Dokei at Manila 10K

Recent "junior graduate" Jessy Rompies shocked 27 years old Tomoko Dokei of Japan in the opening round of "PLDT-SMART ITF Women's Circuit" at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila, Philippines today. Rompies for the second time outclassed sixth seeded Dokei with better scoreline this time, 7-6(5), 6-2. Last year at Jakarta 10K, 18 years old and still number one junior player in Indonesia defeated the experienced Japanese in three sets. After finishing in 10K's quarter-final back to back at Southlake, Texas and Saint Louis, Missouri in USA last October, certainly this early exit for Dokei was not expected. While for Rompies, a late bloomer in her junior career, by cruising into the second round she has the chance to improve last year's result here in Manila when she was ousted in the second round. Only participating in her fourth tournament of the year, until recently she was entrusted to focus on her junior tour and barely clinched the target of being top 10 in the world. Rompies still can have her chin up as she finished at ITF 11 and be the second best in Indonesia only after 2001 Wimbledon winner, Angelique Widjaja who had her highest world rank at ITF 2.

In the second round, Rompies will play against qualifier Marina Novak of Liechtenstein. In the first round, Novak blasted another qualifier of Chinese Taipei, Lo-Chiao-Fang 6-0, 6-2. Top seeded Sacha Jones from New Zealand crushed Thai teenager, Sophia Mulsap 6-1, 6-3. Australian Renee Binnie advanced into the second round to face Jones. Binnie was forced to battle all the way before she defeated local wild card, Nikki-Camille Zoleta 6-1, 6-7(2), 7-5.

Another upset was the defeat of third seeded Nguyen Thuy-Dung of Vietnam in the hand of Thai teenager, Nicha Lertpitaksinchai. It was a sweet revenge by Lertpitaksinchai after she bowed out to Nguyen in three sets at Chiang-Mai 10K. Today Lertpitaksinchai played better to secure 7-5, 7-6(1) victory. While for Nguyen, she suffered another early exit same as last week in the first leg here. In the second round, this Thai girl will play against the winner of today's all Korean battle. Indeed, Kang Seo-Kyung was prevailed to win over Jeong Yoon-Young 6-3, 6-4.

14 years old Alisa Ogorodova of Uzbekistan pushed hard her opponent to the limit and secured her second round ticket. Ogorodova slipped past Lu Jia-Xiang of China 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-1. This young Uzbek will challenge eight seeded Li-Ting of China in the second round. In today's opening round, 17 years old Li gunned down local wild card and recently come back Czarina-Mae Arevalo 7-5, 6-3.

In doubles, second seeded Alisa Ogorodova/Lavinia Tananta came back after a set deficit to edged past China's pair, Guo Zhi-Xian/Yang Yi 2-6, 7-6(8), 10-6. Tomorrow, fifth seeded Tananta and her compatriot, seventh seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti will begin their singles' campaign.

Photo - courtesy of Francesco Panunzio

Will three Indonesian players take two titles again?

This afternoon the singles' main draw of the second leg of "PLDT-SMART ITF Women's Circuit" in the birthplace of Lea Salonga was released. This tourney with total prize money of US $ 10,000 is still taking place at the prestigious and historical Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila. Tomorrow all the players will be back in swinging their racquets on hard court (outdoor) made of truflex acrylic along with "Dunlop" as its official balls.

Same as last week, New Zealander Sacha Jones and China's Lu Jia-Jing topped the draw and no accident they were ousted in the second round of the first leg. Jones will play her opening round against Sophia Mulsap of Thailand. Both players, Jones and Mulsap are 18 years old and they had no record of meeting before. This Auckland resident is currently at WTA 306, she had her best result so far at Carson 50K in California last May. Jones has beaten Indonesia's number one Sandy Gumulya, Ayu Fani Damayanti and Lavinia Tananta. In fact, Tananta trails in her head to head with Jones, 0-2.

Second seeded Lu is going to be challenged by her compatriot Zhong Yi. Lu recorded her best outcome this season when she claimed her 10K titles back to back in Khonkan and Nonthaburi, Thailand last August. En route to the two finals, she bumped off Jeong Yoon-Young and Mulsap in Khonkan then in Nonthaburi, she defeated Tananta and Mulsap again. Lu will turn 19 years old tomorrow.

Third seeded Vietnamese Nguyen Thuy-Dung who crashed out in the first round last week will face another Thai teenager, Nicha Lertpitaksinchai. Nguyen's top performance so far this year as 10K's semi-finalists in Khonkan, Thailand and Gurgaon, India. Nguyen survived the scare and eventually won over Lertpitaksinchai in three sets of their first clash at Chiang Mai 10K, Thailand.

Fourth seeded Yumi Nakano of Japan will battle against her compatriot, Tomoko Taira in the opening round. Last September at Kyoto 10K in Japan, Nakano arrived at her best result with semi-final appearance after lingering struggle since last May in total of 12 tournaments. Fifth seeded Tananta is scheduled to play with 26 years old Cassandra Barr from Australia in the first round. Then sixth seeded Tomoko Dokei of Japan will play against Jessy Rompies for their second meeting in the opening round. Last year in Jakarta 10K, also in the first round Rompies shocked Dokei in a close match and won 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-3.

The two remaining seeds, seventh seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti will face local Pinoy and wild card Michelle Pang in the first round. Finally last but not least, 17 years old and eighth seeded Li Ting of China will start her campaign by facing "come back" and local wild card, Czarina-Mae Arevalo. This 23 years old Pinoy has been away from the tour for a year and last year here at Manila 10K, she was a quarter-finalist.

Two quarter-finalists of the first leg last week, Malaysian Jawairiah Noordin and Juan Ting-Fei from Chinese Taipei could not continue their fine form this past week-end. Noordin crashed out in the first round of qualifying, while Juan lost in the final round of qualifying.

In doubles, top seeded pair of Japan, Tomoko Dokei and Tomoko Taira will face Thai pair, Lertpitaksinchai and Mulsap in the first round. Second seeded Alisa Ogorodova/Lavinia Tananta will play against Guo Zhi-Xian/Yang Yi of China in the opening round. Another Chinese duo, in their first round, Li Ting/Zheng Jun-Yi will be challenged by Yumi Nakano/Yoo Mi (Japan/South Korea) and fourth seeded Damayanti/Rompies will clash with local wild card duet, Arevalo/Pang also in the opening round.

Picture of Jones at WTT in Washington DC (07/2008) - courtesy of dreamstime.com

Irish boy and Chinese girl triumphed at Surabaya Grade 4

Foreign players grabbed singles' titles at "ITF Grade 4 Widjojo Soejono Semen Gresik Junior Championships" in Surabaya, East Java. In the girls' final, a qualifier of China, Zheng Sai Sai was truly an "amazing race" star and stole the show by taking her maiden title today. After several hours of rain delay, then the final match was staged in the early afternoon and this 14 years-old Zheng secured "winning ugly" over top seeded and talented Tanvi Shah of India. In the opening set, Zheng quickly led 5-1 only then her opponent Shah waved white flag as sign of retiring from the match. Apparently Shah has been suffering weak health condition for a couple of days but she forced herself to play. This morning she woke up and felt stiff on her neck.

Over the week, unranked Zheng has been performing well with her tenacity, persistency and solid groundstrokes. She could play well, both combination of aggressive offense and solid defense. In particular, she showed her strong ability as an attacking retriever so some fans called her "the Great Wall". En route to the final, she made an upset over fourth seeded Anaeve Pain of New Caledonia 6-3, 6-3 in the second round. It was real warning for everyone since then. In the semi-final, Zheng's scare continued on. This time she toppled second seeded and the biggest hope of Indonesia, Laili Rahmawati Ulfa 6-4, 6-1. Rahmawati flunked to reach her second final of her career in ITF Grade 4. Last year, a native from Wonogiri, Central Java ended also in the semi-final and booted out by the eventual winner, Angelina Jogasuria. Like everyone else, Zheng will play the next tourney in Solo ITF Grade 4 this coming week. Meanwhile Rahmawati will not defend her semi-final's points in Solo this time, as she was committed already with her coach, Suharyadi - Yayuk Basuki's husband - to represent Jakarta at Regional Student Games in Riau.

In the boys' singles, the final match was much interesting to witness as Indonesian last hope, 15th seeded Tito Parulian Hutauruk played against 3rd seeded Sam Barry of Ireland. Barry bounced back to defeat Bandung resident Hutauruk 1-6, 7-5, 7-5 and obtained his second title of ITF Grade 4 after Estonia last June. Barry was outclassed by Hutauruk and lost easily in the opening set. Barry began the battle with poor performance and Hutauruk took the advantage to lead 5-0 and secured the first set 6-1. In the second set, both players tied at 5-5 then Barry broke his opponent's service to close it out 7-5. In the final set, this Irish boy trailed 1-5 but then he regained his own game and worn his opponent out by winning 6 consecutive games to end the match.

Hutauruk admitted that he ran out of gas towards the end and had difficulty to move on the court. With lack of stamina, Hutauruk's concentration also diminished sharply. All in all, it was Hutauruk's best outcome in ITF junior circuit with such first final ever. En route to final, a son of former national player Togap Hutauruk crushed top seeded and defending champion, Vedran Ljubicic of Croatia 6-2, 7-6(4) in round 16.

Photo of Barry is courtesy of www.irelandtennis.ie

Photo of Hutauruk is courtesy of www.jawapos.co.id

Lavinia Tananta made it double at Manila 10K

Fourth seeded Lavinia Tananta made a sweet victory and secured her second title of her career at "Holcim ITF Women's Circuit" which took place at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, Manila. Semarang resident Tananta overcame her nemesis and compatriot, fourth seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti 6-1, 6-4 in the final today. Tananta is now closing the gap to 3-5 in her meeting against Balinese Damayanti. Her maiden title of 10K was over two years ago in Jakarta when she thumped talented Damayanti with stylish 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 victory. Just turned 21 years old on November 3, 2008, Tananta as the winner pocketed $ 1,568 and earned six circuit points, while Damayanti as the runner-up bagged $ 980 and four circuit points. It was certainly a happy day for the Indonesian camp chaperoned by former national player, Suzanna Anggarkusuma Wibowo - very long time coach at Martina Widjaja's tennis center and a loyal confidant of this rich business woman. As for Damayanti, she could not ask for anything more as she resumed her overseas tour after exactly a year. She was certainly pleased with her result and it was important to her as she needed to show her new big boss, Martina Widjaja that it was worth financing her abroad. No accident that Damayanti's last final appearance was at Jakarta 10K in 2006 when she bowed out to Tananta.

Tananta, Damayanti and Rompies will compete again in the second leg of Manila 10K on this coming Tuesday. Will they make their big boss smile again with clean sweep? If it is to be, it is up to them!

Photo of Damayanti is courtesy by indotennis.com

Photo of Tananta - blogger private collection

Clean sweep is guaranteed at Manila 10K

South Koreans Jeong Yoon-Young and Kang Seo-Kyung were denied to continue the upset for a possible all-Korean finals in the first leg of "Holcim ITF Women’s Circuit" at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, Manila. Their path to finals were tarnished by fourth seeded Lavinia Tananta and fifth seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti who eventually forged all-Indonesian finals.

In the semi-final today, Tananta blasted Jeong, 6-2, 6-2. While Damayanti bumped off Kang, 6-3, 6-3. Both Tananta and Damayanti are very familiar with each other's game. In their head to head, Ayu is still leading 5-2 against Tananta. Their last meeting was at final qualifying of "2008 Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic" in Bali where Damayanti won 6-2, 6-4. It is Tananta's first participation here in Manila and it is her third final of the year after Tarakan and Bulungan. Along her professional career, now she added Manila's final as her fourth final and she has won only one title at 2006 Jakarta 10K where she booted out Damayanti in three sets.

Damayanti is accustomed to the venue here in Manila. In her third visit to Manila 10K, it is Damayanti's second final appearance here after she lost to South Korean Lee Ye-Ra in 2004. She has collected two titles in 10K out of seven final appearances so far. Damayanti's last final was in 2006 Jakarta 10K when she bowed out to Tananta in three sets. Meanwhile, both Damayanti and Tananta had their last meeting on national level at "4th serie of Sportama" in Solo where Ayu slipped past Tananta, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 in the final.

In doubles, it was a contest between the top two seeded pairs in the final. Despite their first time partnership on the tour, top seeded Tananta and Rompies survived the scare of second seeded tandem of Taiwanese Kao Shao-Yuan and Chinese Zheng Jun-Yi in a close match. Eventually Indonesian duo won 6-1, 5-7, 10-8. Appearing in her 10th final today, it is Tananta's third doubles' title after Muzaffarnagar, India in 2006 and Tarakan 2007. For Rompies playing in her third doubles' final, it is also her third doubles' title after Jakarta and Khonkan, Thailand in 2007. It is indeed such perfect record for now.

Pictures are courtesy of advantage-tennis.com & commbanktennis.com

Rungkat/Thompson failed to secure back to back title

After exited in the first round of singles, Christopher Rungkat continued his hope only in doubles at "Malaysia Futures 2" with total prize money of US $ 15,000 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. With his same partner as last week, fourth seeded Rungkat and Nathan Thompson of USA defeated Siarhei Betau/Andrei Karatchenia of Belarus 6-3, 7-6(4) in the quarter-final.

In the semi-final, duo Rungkat/Thompson bowed out to top seeded pair, Mikal Statham/Yu Xin-Yuan (New Zealand/China) 3-6, 4-6. In their fourth time as pair, Rungkat/Thompson had to be content with this eventual result.

Meanwhile at these two 15Ks, currently world ranked 285 from Australia, Nick Lindahl ran out of gas as the season approached its end. After taking his second title of the year at Australia 15K, in the first leg of Malaysia 15K in Kuala Lumpur last week, as second seeded Lindahl lost to Thai Kittiphong Wachiramanowong 6-4, 3-6, 5-7 in the second round. This week in the second leg here in Petaling Jaya, second son of Swedish father and Indonesian mother crashed out immediately in the opening round. Runner-up at Australian Open Junior Grand Slam in 2006, as third seeded Lindahl bowed out to China's Gong Mao-Xin 5-7, 0-6.

Picture of Henri Kontinen & Christopher Rungkat as 2008 French Open doubles' champion is courtesy of AP/Laurent Baheux

Photo of Thompson - by Adji Soedibjo at Thai Futures (02/2008)

Two Indonesian seeds cruised into semi-finals at Manila 10K

Two out of three Indonesian players moved on at "Holcim ITF Women's Circuit" with total prize money of US $ 10,000 in Manila, Philippines. Lavinia Tananta and Ayu Fani Damayanti are the only seeds left in the semi-finals, while Jessy Rompies stumbled in quarter-final today. Fourth seeded and world ranked 701 Tananta clinched her third semi-final of the year at 10K level after Tarakan and Bulungan both in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Tananta faced such fierce challenge by Chinese Taipei junior player and qualifier, Juan Ting-Fei. In the opening set, only in her fifth participation of senior pro tourney, Juan played well and took it 6-3. With her experience, Tananta bounced back and survived the scare to take the two remaining sets 6-3, 6-2. As for Juan, she created her best result ever by appearing in this quarter-final match and when the new ranking will be released on November 24, 2008, she will have her world ranking then for the very first time.

In the last four round, Tananta will play against South Korean, Jeong Yoon-Young. Currently ranked at WTA 854, Jeong defeated top seeded New Zealander Sacha Jones in the second round and yesterday she continued her shock theraphy by beating seventh seeded Qiu Si-Si of China 4-6, 7-6(5) retired. It is Jeong's second semi-final of the season at 10K level after Khonkan, Thailand last May.

Once reaching her best at WTA 358, fifth seeded Damayanti did not have trouble in winning over Malaysian Jawairiah Noordin. Currently at WTA 733, this Balinese girl had 6-3, 6-2 victory. Damayanti improved her result here in Manila since last year she lost to Qiu Si-Si in the second round. Meanwhile for Noordin, it was her second quarter-final this year after Solo 10K last August. Same as Juan of Chinese Taipei, Noordin will eventually have her first ever world ranking on November 24, 2008. She will put Malaysia on the world tennis map again after Khoo Chin-Bee who had her highest ranking at WTA 329 in 2003.

In the semi-final, Damayanti will face another South Korean, 19 years old Kang Seo-Kyung. Ranked at WTA 948, Kang edged past eight seeded Jessy Rompies 7-5, 6-4. By reaching the last four round, Kang improved her last year result here in Manila when she lost in the second round. It is also her first ever semi-final of 10K after twice as quarter-finalist this year at Chiang-Mai and Khonkan, Thailand. While for Rompies, last year here in Manila, she crashed out in the first round when she bowed out to Jeong Yoon-Young. Today it was Jakarta teenager's 8th appearance in 10K quarter-finals. In doubles, Rompies stayed alive and so far, she has proven as potential doubles specialist. Partnering with Tananta and placed as top seeded, duo Rompies/Tananta outclassed third seeded Damayanti/Alisa Ogorodova 6-2, 6-3 in the semi-final. After all in singles, it will be interesting to find out who will march into final after the duel between Indonesians and Koreans in the last four round!!!

Photo is courtesy of AP/Achmad Ibrahim

Tedjakusuma almost snatched her quarter-final ticket in sea breeze San Diego 50K

Still from "Santa Luz Open" in San Diego, California, Romana Tedjakusuma who had highest rank of her career at WTA 82 in 1994 and now a resident of California, showed her fighting spirit to her much younger opponent, Madison Brengle of USA. In the second round match yesterday at Santa Luz Club, Tedjakusuma took the opening set 6-2. Then talented Brengle stormed back and regained her composure to close it out 6-3 and forced 32 years old Indonesian into third set. Both players eventually reached tie-break and much younger Dover resident played better in critical points to win 7-6(2). In quarter-final Brengle will challenge sixth seeded Georgian Anna Tatishvili. Tatishvili came out strong in the second round match and crushed qualifier Mallory Cecil of USA 6-0, 6-3. In the opening round, Cecil sent US veteran Mashona Washington home earlier after she defeated sister of former ATP player, Malivai Washington, in three sets.

Photo - courtesy of Millbrae Racquet Club, California

Big boss' girls reached Manila's quarter-finals

Three players of the "elite" camp owned by powerful boss and "tennis diva" Martina Widjaja did not waste the opportunity to reach quarter-finals. In the second round, fourth seeded Lavinia Tananta, fifth seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti and eight seeded Jessy Rompies kept on their winning track. Looking back at this “Women's Circuit” with total prize money of US $ 10,000 and it is still taking place at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, in Manila, history was made by Sandy Gumulya and Septi Mende who claimed their maiden title here in November 2003.

In the second round Tananta toppled unranked French player, Elodie Rogge-Dietrich 6-2, 6-4. In the next round, Tananta will face the challenge of qualifier from Chinese Taipei, Juan Ting-Fei. Juan has traveled to Indonesia and she was successful to beat 14 years old Alisa Ogorodova from Uzbekistan 6-1, 7-6(3). Damayanti followed Tananta with victory over Chinese qualifier, Liu Chang 6-2, 6-2. In quarter-final, Damayanti will clash with a familiar player hailed from Penang, Malaysia, Jawairiah Noordin. Noordin shocked the second seeded of China, Lu Jia-Jing and secured 6-4, 6-3 victory. Rompies completed winning day for Indonesians after she defeated experienced Yoo Mi of South Korea 6-4, 6-2. In the last 8 round, Rompies will battle against another South Korean, Kang Seo-Kyung. Another casualty in the second round was top seeded Sacha Jones of New Zealand. Jones bowed out to 18 years old South Korean, Jeong Yoon-Young 3-6, 6-7(5). So, all top three seeds have exited from the tourney. Third seeded Nguyen Thuy-Dung of Vietnam lost earlier in the opening round.

In doubles, top seeded Rompies/Tananta won easily 6-1, 6-3 over qualifier, Marina Novak/Chutharat Rungtein (Liechtenstein/Thailand) in quarter-final. In semi-final Rompies/Tananta will face third seeded pair, Damayanti/Ogorodova. Combination of Indonesia dan Uzbekistan took the hard way in beating South Korean duo, Jeong Yoon-Young/Kang Seo-Kyung 6-3, 5-7, 10-8.

Photo is courtesy of www.indotennis.com

Basuki/Tedjakusuma failed into quarter-final at San Diego 50K

Bad news came from "Santa Luz Open", a challenger tourney with total prize money of US $ 50,000 in San Diego, California, USA where former top 30 and accomplished doubles player of Argentina, 40 years old Patricia Tarabini is the Tournament Director. Duo veterans, Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma bowed out to third seeded pair Frederica Piedade/Roxane Vaisemberg (Portugal/Brazil) in the opening round yesterday. Basuki/Tedjakusuma fought hard but lost 4-6, 6-7(4). Basuki and Tedjakusuma shared the least prize money of only US $ 285 then.

Portuguese Piedade is currently at WTA 164 for doubles rank, while for singles rank this 26 years old player is at WTA 210 now. Her current doubles rank is her highest ever actually. Piedade's partner, left-handed Vaisemberg is still 19 years old and is currently ranked at WTA 199 for doubles. In singles, Piedade advanced into the second round after defeating former top 50 player in 2006, Romina Oprandi of Italy 6-0, 6-4 in the opening round.

American prodigy and recent US Open Junior title holder, Coco Vandeweghe crashed out immediately in the first round. As qualifier, Vandeweghe demonstrated her persistency against her experienced opponent, Alina Jidkova of Russia, all the way. In the end, Jidkova prevailed with 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory.

Picture is courtesy of German Tennis Federation

Three Indonesian seeds romped into second round at Manila 10K

From ”Holcim ITF Women's Circuit” tournament with total prize money of US $ 10,000 which is taking place in Manila, in the land of Imelda Marcos, three Indonesian seeds did not have trouble in cruising into the second round. In the opening round, fourth seeded Lavinia Tananta toppled qualifier Chan Hao-Ching of China Taipei 6-3, 6-2. In the second round, Tananta will face unranked player of France, Elodie Rogge-Dietrich.

Fifth seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti tasted her first overseas victory after her last one also here in Manila 10K a year ago. Talented Damayanti defeated another qualifier from China, Liu Chi-Fan 6-2, 6-4. Another Liu of China, to be exact her name is Liu Chang and is scheduled to challenge Balinese descent Damayanti in the second round.

Eight seeded Jessy Rompies experienced topsy turvy in her game but handled the turbulences at the end by defeating familiar junior player and qualifier Satjaporn Mahajaroenkul of Thailand 6-3, 7-5. In the next round, Rompies will play against South Korean Yoo-Mi. 22 years old Yoo achieved her best world rank at WTA 317 in May, 2007. Yoo is no stranger for Indonesian players, as she had traveled to Jakarta for tourneys. Yoo had some wins and losses against Indonesian players and she just resumed her pro tour last month. She had almost a year hiatus due to injury and she had to pay the price of losing her world ranking as its consequence.

Tedjakusuma has breakthrough at San Diego's challenger

Surabaya born Romana Tedjakusuma proved her competitiveness by advancing into the second round at "Santa Luz Open", a challenger tourney with total prize money of US $ 50,000 in San Diego, California, USA. Currently ranked at WTA 372, Tedjakusuma clinched her victory over wild card, Story Tweedie-Yates of USA 6-4, 6-4 in the first round yesterday. World ranked 378 Tweedie-Yates is a familiar player for 32 years old Indonesian as now Tedjakusuma is securing 2-1 in their head to head after the match. Both players had doubles partnership this year at Palm Beach Gardens 25K, Carson 50K and El Paso 25K. The two players utilized their utmost capacities in grabbing doubles title at Carson 50K last May.

Certainly it is Tedjakusuma's breakthrough as she has been struggling with total of seven losses in her last seven tourneys. Next in the second round, Tedjakusuma will face 18 years old Delaware prodigy, Madison Brengle. Brengle did not have to stay long on the court since her opponent, fourth seeded Olga Puchkova of Russia chose to retire when she trailed 0-3 in the opening set.

In doubles, Tedjakusuma continued her doubles partnership with former world number 19, Yayuk Basuki. Duo Basuki/Tedjakusuma will challenge third seeded pair Frederica Piedade/Roxane Vaisemberg (Portugal/Brazil) in the opening round today.

Photo is courtesy of Millbrae Racquet Club

Rompies/Tananta & Damayanti/Ogorodova into quarter-finals at Manila 10K

Three Indonesians are seeded players at "Holcim ITF Women's Circuit", a tourney with total prize money of US $ 10,000 in Manila, Philippines this week. Placed as top seeded is 18 years old Sacha Jones from Auckland, New Zealand. Followed by Lu Jia-Jing from China is the second seeded, then Nguyen Thuy-Dung of Vietnam is the third seeded. Semarang, Central Java born Lavinia Tananta is placed as fourth seeded along with her compatriot Balinese Ayu Fani Damayanti as fifth seeded. The remaining seeds from sixth to eight are China's Li Ting and Qiu Si Si and last but not least, recent graduate of junior tour Jessy Rompies of Indonesia.

Today only eight main draw singles' matches were scheduled and the three Indonesians will play their opening match tomorrow to complete the total of eight more matches. Currently at WTA 701, Tananta is playing her 12th tourneys this season and has reached two finals at Tarakan and Bulungan 10Ks. Meanwhile, Damayanti is only playing her 5th tourneys so far this year and is playing her first overseas tournament of the year here in Manila. With lack of tour, Damayanti had to climb back to regain her plummeted world ranking and she is at WTA 733 now. Damayanti's highest rank was at WTA 358 on April 23, 2007. So, her choice was to follow an exclusive group of young girls in getting tour fund from the "always right boss".

Damayanti has recently joined the "elite camp" owned by rich woman and the President of Indonesia Tennis Association, Martina Widjaja, same as Gumulya sisters, Tananta and Rompies. The youngest of these players, Rompies ranked 811 now is only playing her 4th tourneys this season due to "big task" from her boss to kept on striving in junior circuit at all costs. Rompies barely made her target as top 10 in the world junior ranking as she finished at ITF 11.

In doubles, top seeded pair Rompies/Tananta had quick labor in the opening round when they crushed wild card pair of the Philippines, Patrimonio sisters comprised of Anna Christine and Anna Clarice. The Indonesian duo won easily 6-1, 6-1 over the Patrimonios. Damayanti is partnered with 14 years old Alisa Ogorodova from Uzbekistan and this new pair of Damayanti and Ogorodova is third seeded. This duet of Indonesia and Uzbekistan secured 6-0, 6-0 no mercy victory over local wild card pair, Marinel Rudas/Regina Santiago.

In singles, the first casualty of seeded players was the exit of third seeded, Vietnamese Nguyen Thuy-Dung. Nguyen lost to South Korean Kang Seo-Kyung 4-6, 0-6 in the first round. Malaysian hope hails from Penang, Jawairiah Noordin secured her berth into the second round after beating Karolina Kostro of Poland 6-1, 6-1. Two Chinese players, second seeded Lu Jia-Jing and seventh seeded Qiu Si Si also advanced into the next round. Junior player from Chinese Taipei and a qualifier, Juan Ting-Fei booked her second round ticket by defeating China's Lu Jia-Xiang in three sets. Two young Thai players, Sophia Mulsap and Nicha Lertpitaksinchai fell instantly in the first round. Mulsap lost to qualifier Lin Yu-Ting of Chinese Taipei, while Lertpitaksinchai bowed out to experienced Yoo Mi of South Korea.

First round threepeat by Rungkat in Malaysia Futures 2

Christopher Rungkat continued his target to move up his world rank at "Malaysia F2 Futures" in Petaling Jaya, Selangor after last week first round exit in the opening leg of Malaysia Futures. With total prize money of US $ 15,000, as wild card recipient, Rungkat had quite good draw actually. In only his 6th tournaments this year, the doubles' champion of 2008 French Open Junior Grand Slam with Finnish Henri Kontinen (see picture with Kontinen at Wimbledon 2008), Rungkat still struggled and failed to pass the first round indeed. He crashed out immediately to qualifier Zhang Ze of China (ATP 1091) 2-6, 6-7(4) today. Zhang is also 18 years old and was just departed from his junior career same as Rungkat. It was Rungkat's first round defeat for the fifth time this season and he made threepeat indeed as first round loser.

Last week in Kuala Lumpur, Rungkat consoled himself and ensured his strong reputation as doubles specialist. Partnered with American Nathan Thompson, duo Rungkat/Thompson as fourth seeded took their third title as pair by beating third seeded pair of Siarhei Betau/Andrei Karatchenia from Belarus 6-3, 6-4. Previously in the semi-final, Rungkat/Thompson defeated second seeded pair Im Kyu-Tae/Martin Slanar (South Korea/Austria) 1-6, 6-3, 10-7.

This week, Rungkat continued his doubles partnership with Thompson and retained their seeded from last week. In the opening round, Rungkat/Thompson survived the three sets battle and won over South Korean pair, Im Kyu-Tae/Kim Sun-Yong 7-6(4), 5-7, 10-8.

Picture is courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk

Ysidora stumbled in two semi-finals of Sarawak ITF Grade 3

As the only player left among Indonesian girls here at “12th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup – ITF Malaysian Junior Tennis Championships” in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, third seeded Grace Sari Ysidora eventually lost to a better player, 16 years old and top seeded Rashmi Teltumbde of India in semi-final last Saturday (November 8, 2008). In Ysidora’s first meeting against her doubles’ partner at recent Balikpapan Grade B1, she fought hard every point but in the end Teltumbde prevailed as the winner with 7-5, 7-6(3) victory. Ysidora acknowledged that she played good but overall she praised Teltumbde for her better and consistent performance. Teltumbde in the end, grabbed both titles in singles and doubles.

In quarter-final match on November 6, 2008, Ysidora breezed past fifth seeded Harriet Sheahan of Australia in comfortable 6-1, 6-0 victory. In their first meeting at China Open ITF Grade 2 in Beijing last September, Ysidora won over Sheahan 6-1, 6-2. Playing only in her fourth ITF Grade 3 tourney during her junior career, Ysidora recorded her second semi-final appearance here within this category after China Open in Xiamen last month. She improved her result here in Kuching indeed this week and it is certainly better than as finisher in round 16 last year.

In doubles, Ysidora partnered with her compatriot Bella Destriana and as sixth seeded, duo Ysidora/Destriana had another solid performance by defeating fourth seeded pair, Harriet Sheahan/Chelsea Te Tai (Australia/New Zealand) 6-2, 6-1 in quarter-final. But Ysidora and Destriana had to be content with the defeat in semi-final. Only for the second time in partnership, Ysidora/Destriana bowed out to second seeded pair of India, Rishika Sunkara/Rashmi Teltumbde 6-7(4), 2-6. Another Indonesian pair, Karyn Emeralda/Nadia Frederika lost to top seeded pair, Jade Hopper/Ekaterina Nikitina (Australia/Russia) 2-6, 2-6 in quarter-final.

The only boy from Indonesia entered this tourney, third seeded David Agung Susanto apparently suffered heavy dehydration immediately after his victory over Sangwan of India in round 16 last Wednesday. Susanto was rushed to the nearest hospital to receive proper treatment then. With very weak physical condition, Susanto did not bother to play his first quarter-final ever in ITF Grade 3 tourney and he gave walk over victory to his opponent, Ahmed Al Bitar of Egypt.

Meanwhile, from “Evert American ITF Junior Circuit” an ITF Grade 4 tourney which was held at Evert Tennis Academy, Boca Raton, Florida, doubles pair Nadia Ravita/Melissa Emile Kandinata crashed out right away in the first round. Ravita and Kandinata who are students at International Tennis Academy in Delray Beach, Florida bowed out to local duo, Kyle S Mc Phillips/Chanelle Van Nguyen 6-4, 0-6, 2-6.

Susanto & Ysidora into quarter-final, Ravita exited early

Two Indonesian players, David Agung Susanto and Grace Sari Ysidora are by no accident placed as third seeded and both moved into quarter-final at “12th Sarawak Chief Minister's Cup – ITF Malaysian International Junior Championships” in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Enjoying his current and best rank ever at ITF 158, in this ITF grade 3 tourney Susanto was successful in defeating an Indian player, Shiva Sangwan 6-4, 6-1 in the second round or round 16. Despite the scoreline, both Susanto and Sangwan exchanged many long rallies during the match which lasted in 2.5 hours. Earlier in the first round, Susanto saw off New Zealander, Ryoma Sloane 6-1, 6-1.

Meanwhile, Ysidora who is currently at ITF 129 in the beginning got first round bye then in second round or round 32, she outclassed German Ann-Christin Nilsson 6-0, 6-0. Today in third round or round 16, Ysidora won over 15th seeded Prerna Bhambri of India 6-1, 6-4. In the opening set, Ysidora truly dominated the battle with her typical attacking game. In the second set, this Bandung resident slacked off and experienced topsy turvy in her game which caused her opponent to find her own game plan back. Eventually when Ysidora was forced to tie at 4 all, she became alert and regrouped herself to close the match.

Palembang resident, Bella Destriana could not continue her run since she was beaten by seventh seeded Yang Zi of China 3-6, 3-6. In the second round, Destriana made an upset by edging past 12th seeded, Jessica-Marie Agra of the Philippines in three grueling sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. Two other players, Karyn Emeralda and eight seeded Nadia Frederika crashed out in the second round. Emeralda lost to 14th seeded Huang Huai-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei 2-6, 6-7(2), while Frederika demonstrated her fighting spirit but eventually lost to Nimisha Mohan from India 1-6, 6-4, 4-6.

In doubles, Destriana/Ysidora placed as sixth seeded and received 1st round bye. In second round or round 16, duo Destriana/Ysidora who took the title at “ITF Oneject International Junior Championships” in Bandung last June, easily crushed Indian pair, Nimisha Mohan/Kanika Vaidya 6-0, 6-0. Duet Emeralda/Frederika also got 1st round bye then secured victory in the second round over Indian pair Nilaya Tarimela/Soniya Dayal 6-3, 6-4.

Thousand miles away at “Evert American ITF Junior Circuit” in Evert Tennis Academy, Boca Raton, Florida, Nadia Ravita as qualifier immediately bowed out to Swedish Gabriella Boboc 5-7, 3-6 in the first round or round 64. Ravita's compatriot, Melissa Emile Kandinata who has been trained for three months at International Tennis Academy, Delray Beach, Florida, same as Ravita, only reached Q2. In Q1, Kandinata defeated Catalina Ene of USA 6-2, 6-2. Afterwards Kandinata suffered a defeat since she lost to 18 years old Chinese player, Sherry Liu 5-7, 2-6. Liu eventually passed through qualifying round and moved into the main draw.

Photo is courtesy of ITF Sarawak

Christopher Rungkat crashed out in the opening round

Former number one junior player of Indonesia and still freshed from saying goodbye to his junior career, Christopher Rungkat resumed his senior pro circuit here at "Malaysia F1 Futures" in Kuala Lumpur after his previous tourney in Manado futures last August. With total prize money of US $ 15,000, this tourney is taking place at National Tennis Centre on Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur and turned out to be quite competitive field. Currently ranked at ITF 1465, Rungkat had to obtain "wild card" in entering the singles' main draw here. In only his 5th tournaments this year, the doubles' champion of 2008 French Open Junior Grand Slam with Finnish Henri Kontinen, Rungkat bowed out immediately to fifth seeded Jose Statham of New Zealand 5-7, 2-6 in the first round. It was Rungkat's first round exit indeed for the fourth time this season and his only best outcome was at Jakarta futures last August when he reached quarter-final.

In doubles Rungkat is partnering with Afro American, Nathan Thompson again. This duet had good record as pair this year by taking titles back to back at Thai Futures 2 & 3 earlier this year. As fourth seeded, Rungkat/Thompson secured their 1st round victory over local pair and "wild card", Abdul-Hazli Bin Zainuddin/Razlan Rawi 6-4, 6-1. Today in quarter-final, duo Rungkat/Thompson continued their run after defeating "wild card" pair of Malaysia, Adam Jaya/Si Yew-Ming 6-2, 6-4.

Photo - courtesy of www.pbase.com

Nadia Ravita stormed into main draw in Florida

Jakarta born Nadia Ravita was ranked 858 as at October 27, 2008 and this 14 years old girl clinched her berth in the singles' main draw of "Evert American ITF Junior Circuit" or known as "Evert Cup" in Boca Raton, Florida, USA. This prestigious ITF grade 4 tourney is currently taking place at Evert Tennis Academy owned by world legend, Chris Evert of USA.

Ravita is approaching four months of her rigorous training at International Tennis Academy in Delray Beach, Florida and is only playing her third tournament here ever since she arrived in the land of Andy Roddick. In her previous ITF grade 2 tourney in Lexington, South Carolina, Ravita had to be content as finisher in the second round of qualifying. After getting bye in Q1, she lost to 18 years old Turkish Burce Kurkan in three sets 3-6, 7-5, 1-6.

Coming home to her adopted Florida, placed as fourth seeded in the qualifying round, Ravita edged past Amber Li, resident of Tampa, Florida 7-5, 6-3. In Q2 Ravita continued her winning trend by beating 16 years old Hannah Fritzinger of Vero Beach, Florida 6-0, 6-3. In final qualifying round, the daughter of former national players Hawin Sutopo and Lukky Tedjamukti outclassed 16 years old and eight seeded Gyanna Mandic of Canada (ITF 1053) 6-3, 6-1 and secured her place in the singles' main draw. In the opening round or round 64, Ravita will challenge 17 years old and world ranked 591 Gabriella Boboc of Sweden.

Thai rising star made hattrick in Balikpapan

Martina Widjaja, the President of Indonesia Tennis Association and Susan Soebakti, the Tournament Director of "Balikpapan International Junior Championships" an ITF grade B1 tourney or known as "Asia Oceania Closed Junior Championships" had valid reason to expect their players, second seeded Jessy Rompies and third seeded Beatrice Gumulya to be strong candidates for securing the title here. Rompies who was already 18 years old last April, obviously she was ordered by her two bosses mentioned above to played here in her adopted state of East Kalimantan. With such high expectation, in the end Rompies could not fulfill such big task entrusted on her and she bowed out to top seeded and better player, Thai sensation Noppawan "Nok" Lertcheewakarn in the final yesterday.

2008 Wimbledon Junior Grand Slam runner-up and world junior number three, Nok as she likes to be called, cruised past Rompies in straight sets 6-4, 6-2 to retain her title. Moreover, this 17 years old from Chiang-Mai made hattrick after New Delhi and India. Nok improved her head to head record against Rompies and leads 3-0 now. Nevertheless, Rompies should be proud that she set a high mark by being runner-up and certainly it will be big challenge for her younger compatriots in following her achievement in the future. She closed the curtain of her junior stage with the biggest outcome of her career. From now on, Rompies will be no longer to compete in junior circuit and will strive for her future career as senior pro.

In senior pro, Nok just had her impressive result by reaching quarter-final at Taipei 100K. This year she claimed her maiden title in senior level at Balikpapan 25K where she defeated top seeded Sandy Gumulya in semi-final. Then, in her hometown of Chiang Mai, Nok grabbed her second title of her career at 10K tourney.

Meanwhile, third seeded Beatrice Gumulya ended her journey in quarter-final when she bowed out to seventh seeded Miyabi Inoue of Japan in three sets 6-4, 5-7, 1-6. Gumulya and Rompies paired up in doubles and as top seeded, this solid duo saved her two bosses' faces by taking the consolation title after prevailing over second seeded pair, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn and her Japanese partner, Miyabi Inoue in three close sets 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(9).

For the boys, 14th seeded David Agung Susanto made the best outcome among the other Indonesian players here. In quarter-final, Susanto gave his utmost capacity but he eventually lost to second seeded James Duckworth of Australia in three sets 3-6, 6-3, 1-6. In doubles, Susanto partnered with Juan Los Santos from Malaysia and placed as seventh seeded. Playing together for the first time, Susanto/Los Santos cruised all the way to the final but experienced lack of concentration as they lost easily to top seeded pair, Yuki Bhambri/Huang Liang-Chi (India/Chinese Taipei) 3-6, 1-6.

Credit should be given to Susanto who has been struggling in his previous tour in China. Here at home, despite "Wimbledon style" weather problem over Balikpapan Tennis Stadium, Susanto leveled-up with the results of his predecessors, Elbert Sie and Faisal Aidil as quarter-finalists in this grade B1 level.