Ravita falls immediately in Barbados Grade 4

14 years old Nadia Ravita of Indonesia (ITF 907) returned to ITF Junior Circuit by participating in “Barbados Junior International Championships 2009” held in St. Michael, Barbados. As direct entrant to the main draw, in the opening round she faced second seed Italian Gaia Sanesi (ITF 338) and she barely lost 4-6, 6-7(4) yesterday. Sanesi will turn 17 years old tomorrow on April 1, 2009. Third seed American Tristen D Zewar had an easy first round outing as she crushed local wild card Gabriella Lopez 6-1, 6-1. Two more seeds also advanced into the second round when seventh seed Lauren Chypyha of Canada and eighth seed Russian Adel Arshavskaya claimed their first round victory. Chypyha had to work hard to beat Olga Gaisturk of Ukraine 7-5, 6-4, while Arshavskaya crashed local wild card Zahra Stewart 6-0, 6-0. Another Asian player beside Ravita in the main draw was Japanese Rika Takuno who was beaten by Canadian Melissa Mc Queen 1-6, 2-6.

The other seeds are scheduled to play their opening stint today. Top seed Russian Renata Arshavskaya (ITF 313) will play against local wild card Ancia Ifill, then fourth seed Fausthyara Pietersz of Netherlands Antilles will clash with Maria Sharapova’s cousin, Daria Sharapova from Belarus. The two remaining seeds, fifth seed Canadian Jelena Tomasovic will meet Daryna Savchuk of Ukraine, while sixth seed and qualifier, Skylar Kuykendall from USA will face German Frizzi Bschorer.

Picture of National Tennis Center is courtesy of tennisbarbados.org

Sutjiadi joins ITF Junior 14 & Under team for Euro tour

Aldila Sutjiadi finished third place after she defeated her compatriot Voni Darlina 7-5, 6-2. Katherine Ip of Hong Kong won back to back title here at “Jubilee School 14 & Under Asian Championships” as she proved and deserved to be top seed by disposing fifth Sun Zi-Tue from China 6-4, 6-4 in the final. Based on the results of two weeks tourney, Sutjiadi became the only Indonesian into ITF Junior 14 & Under team for European tour. Sutjiadi secured second place overall standing right behind Katherine IP. Third place is China’s Sun Zi-Tue and fourth place is Alina Abdurakhimova of Uzbekistan. While Darlina just ended in sixth place.

In boys category, Vietnamese Nguyen Hoang Thien came out as winner after he edged past fourth Krittin Koaykul from Thailand 6-2, 6-1 in the final. The top four overall standing: Nguyen then followed by Syrian Ameer Naow. Third place is taken by Koaykul and fourth place is Jeong In-Kyo from South Korea. All these four boys are eligible to be member of ITF Junior 14 & Under as well.

In doubles, Sutjiadi and Evita Febrihapsari claimed back to back doubles' title as they defeated Thai duo, Nahathai Khuntaket/Gornganok Tiraganok 7-5, 6-3. While Naow/Nguyen also won doubles' title two weeks in a row but this time they edged past Thai duet, Krittin Koaykul/Parl Rungsueborirak 6-2, 6-3.

Photo of Hong Kong Junior Fed Cup squad - Katherine Ip, Lorraine Cheung, Sze Leung Lok is courtesy Hong Kong Tennis Association

Kim grabs the title in Wellington

Resurgent qualifier Kim So-Jung of South Korea gave a strong fight in all Korean final of “ASB Pro Circuit” in Wellington, New Zealand yesterday. Kim continued her superb form in the final leg of 10K series by coming from behind in beating fifth seed and 28 years old Chae Kyung-Yee 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Truly an amazing run by Kim from qualifying round all the way to final and indeed she ended her long drought of title after Jakarta, Indonesia in 2004. Kim leads 2-0 now in her head to head with Chae. Her first encounter was in Inchon, South Korea when she eased past her compatriot Chae 6-0, 6-3. As for Chae, she failed to add another 10K title after she claimed it in Go Yang, South Korea last September.

Photo of Kim So-Jung is courtesy from tennisnz.com

Sutjiadi and Darlina stumble in semi-finals

Two Indonesian girls left in the competition, Aldila Sutjiadi and Voni Darlina stumbled and failed to create all Indonesian final after they bowed out to their opponents in the semi-finals of “Jubilee School ITF 14 & Under Asian Championships” at Kemayoran Tennis Center, Jakarta yesterday. Both Sutjiadi and Darlina will battle for 3rd and 4th places and the final results will determine the top four finishers who will be eligible to represent Asia in ITF U-14 team for European tour.

In the last four round, second seed Sutjiadi was beaten by fifth seed Sun Zi-Tue from China 2-6, 0-6. Based on the information from Mr. Sutjiadi, Sun played superbly and did not give her daughter to have chance in applying her own game. Meanwhile Darlina suffered back to back defeat to top seed Katherine Ip of Hong Kong. In such ferocious duel, eventually Darlina lost 5-7, 6-1, 3-6. In the first leg of this tourney, Darlina also lost in three sets to Ip. It was very possible that Darlina was physically worn out as she had to work hard in ousting third seed Alina Abdurakhimova from Uzbekistan 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(1) in the quarterfinals. As for Sutjiadi she cruised past You Xiaodi of China 6-2, 6-3 in the other last eight round match. Top seed Katherine IP also won easily over Indian Tarrannum Handa 6-1, 6-2, then Sun Zi-Tue saw-off fourth seed Samitha C Sai from India also 6-1, 6-2.

Photos of Aldila Sutjiadi & Voni Darlina are courtesy of Krisna Sumardjito

Kim and Chae create all Korean finals

Qualifier Kim So-Jung from South Korea made an upset by defeating top seed Hwang I-Hsuan from Chinese Taipei 6-3, 6-3 in semi-finals at the final leg of “ASB Pro Circuit” with total prize money of US $ 10,000 held in Wellington, New Zealand. It was certainly a sweet revenge earned by resurgent Kim after she lost easily to Hwang in the last four round in North Shore. While Hwang still failed to step closer in her attempt to claim her maiden 10K title. Today Kim played only her third 10K semi-final, while the other two semi-finals were in 2003. Tomorrow in the final, Kim will try to collect her third 10K title after Yamaguchi and Jakarta in 2004. Kim will play an all Korean final as her compatriot and fifth seed Chae Kyung-Yee came from behind to beat qualifier Lizaan Du Plessis from South Africa 5-7, 6-4, 6-0 in the other last four round battle.

Sutjiadi, Darlina reach quarterfinals

From the second leg of “Jubilee School ITF 14 & Under Asian Championships” at Kemayoran Tennis Center, Jakarta, Indonesia could only hope for the two girls left into quarter-finals. After first round bye, top seed and last week winner, Katherine Ip from Hong Kong had difficulty in the opening set but she prevailed to win over Thai Apichaya Runglerdkrian 6-4, 6-1. In the last eight round, Ip will face challenge from Indian Tarranum Handa who shocked eighth seed Chueh Chu Chen of Chinese Taipei 6-1, 6-4. Meanwhile third seed Alina Abdurakhimova of Uzbekistan sealed an easy victory over Yu Yuan-Yi from China 6-2, 6-3. In quarterfinals, Abdurakhimova will get challenge from local talent Voni Darlina who trailed in the first set but then she had an easy labor as she cruised past Ching Pang of Hong Kong 5-7, 6-0, 6-1. Fifth seed Sun Zi-Tue from China also moved into the last eight round after she ousted Thai Nahathai Khuntaket Thailand 7-5, 6-2. Sun will play against fourth seed Samitha C Sai of India who crushed Bali resident, Jeany Ratnasari Anastasia 6-0, 6-2. Surprise was also made by China’s You Xiaodi who put a fierce fight to defeat sixth seed Gornganok Tiraganok from Thailand 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. In quarterfinals, You will try to stop second seed Aldila Sutjiadi who posted another win over Polina Marenkova from Uzbekistan 7-5, 6-1.

Four seeds in boys’ singles all crashed out in the second round yesterday (03/27/2009). Top seed and last week winner, Ameer Naow from Syria was beaten by Ismailov Temur of Uzbekistan 3-6, 4-6. Next Temur will challenge sixth seed Chung Hyeon of South Korea who fought hard to beat Hong Kong player, Cho Hyun-Duk 7-5, 7-5. Fourth seed of Thailand, Krittin Koaykul secured his berth into the last eight round after he defeated Wong Chun-Hun from Hong Kong 6-4, 6-1. Koaykul will play against Indian Abhishek Alla who saw-off fifth seed and the sole local hope Nur Adim Ramdhani 6-1, 6-3.

Wichaya Tongjaroenchakul from Thailand also shocked eighth seed Yeung Pak Long of Hong Kong 6-2, 6-2 and in the last eight round he will challenge third seed of South Korea, Jeong In-Kyo who dispatched Aleksander Ernepesov of Turkmenistan 6-0, 6-4. Another surprise was made by Indian, Vishal Passi who had an easy work to defeat eighth Kim Young-Seok of South Korea 6-0, 6-3. In quarterfinals, Passi will clash with second seed Nguyen Hoang Thien of Vietnam who ousted Thai Parl Rungsueborirak 6-3, 6-0.

Last Asian hope Ysidora stumbled again

Indonesian Grace Sari Ysidora was the sole representative from Asia who sneaked into quarterfinals among European players at an ITF Grade 1 tourney known as “20th Mitsubishi Lancer International Junior Championships 2009” in Manila, Philippines yesterday (03/27/2009). As eighth seed, Ysidora (ITF 78) who demonstrated strong challenge against yang sudah top seed Timea Babos (ITF 6) of Hungary eventually bowed out 4-6, 4-6 and failed to reach semi-finals. Ysidora lost for the second time in two weeks after her first encounter with talented Babos in the last four round of Thai Grade 1 tourney.

Other winners in the quarterfinals were seventh seed Polina Leykina from Russia who won thriller over qualifier Despina Papamichail of Greece 6-1, 2-6, 6-2. Then another Russian, 13th seed Ekaterina Nikitina disposed fifth seed Hannah James of Great Britain 6-1, 6-3, and last but not least, talented unseeded Tamara Curovic of Serbia who cruised past another Russian, Ksenia Gospodinova 6-3, 6-0.

In doubles, Ysidora partnered with Thai Nicha Lertpitaksinchai and as sixth duo, they also stumbled in the last eight round. Duo Ysidora/Lertpitaksinchai barely lost to second seed pair, Beatrice Gumulya and her partner from Thailand, Kanyapat Narattana 4-6, 5-7. In semi-finasl duet Gumulya/Narattana will face unseeded pair Mai Grage/Sina Haas (Denmark/Germany) who dispatched fifth seed Hong Seung-Yoon/Khunpak Issara (South Korea/Thailand) 6-4, 6-4 in the other quarterfinal. Also through to semi-finals, top seed Timea Babos/Tamara Curovic (Hungary/Serbia) who defeated seventh seed Ellen Allgurin/Polina Leykina (Sweden/Russia) 6-3, 6-1, while eighth seed Juan Ting-Fei/Liu Min (Chinese Taipei/China) had to go extra miles to beat third seed duo Malou Ejdesgaard/Hannah James (Denmark/Great Britain) 0-6, 6-4, 11-9.

Damayanti fails to overcome top seed Hwang

Indonesian last hope Ayu Fani Damayanti has been struggling in her two earlier rounds here as she played three sets consecutively and today she had to pay the price with defeat in the quarter-finals. In the final leg of “ASB Pro Circuit” with total prize money of US $ 10,000 held in Wellington, New Zealand, Damayanti ran out of gas and bowed out to top seed “sleepy eye” Hwang I-Hsuan from Chinese Taipei 4-6, 2-6.

Hwang is still in her quest to claim her maiden 10K title as she crushed by Zhang Ling in the final of North Shore City almost 2 weeks ago. In the semi-final tomorrow Hwang will have back to back semi-final clash with qualifier Kim So-Jung of South Korea after their last four round outing in the first leg. In today’s quarter-finals, Kim had to work hard until she eventually defeat qualifier Hao Jie from China 1-6, 6-4, 6-1. Kim will play only her third 10K semi-final, while the other two semi-finals were in 2003.

In the last four round match tomorrow, another qualifier Lizaan Du Plessis of South Africa will face fifth seed South Korean, Chae Kyung-Yee. In today’s last eight round Du Plessis cruised past, Kim Hae-Sung of South Korea 6-2, 6-4. While Chae edged past second seed Thai, Montinee Tangphong 6-4, 6-2. Du Plessis will appear in her 10th semi-final of 10K, while Chae’s last 10K semi-final was in Go Yang, South Korea back in September 2008.

Amazing race sealed by duo Kim So-Jung/Ayaka Maekawa (South Korea/Japan) who grabbed their third title in three weeks after North Shore and Hamilton. In today’s final, they edged past qualifier Chae Kyung-Yee/Kim Hae-Sung of South Korea 6-4, 6-4.

Photo of Hwang I-Hsuan is courtesy of Getty Images
Photo of Lizaan Du Plessis is courtesy of Annika Enderborg

Deja Vu for Indonesians in the second week of Jubilee Under 14

From the second or final leg of “Jubilee School ITF 14 & Under Asian Championships” in Jakarta, the opening round matches all completed yesterday. In boys’ singles, again and again only fifth seed Nur Adim Ramdhani of Indonesia cruised into the second round, while his four compatriots all crashed out. In the opening round, Ramdhani won back to back battle against Cambodian Ek Shamroeun 6-0, 7-6(0).

Meanwhile Frederico Leonardo was easily beaten by Temur Ismailov of Uzbekistan 1-6, 0-6. Followed by Jess David Wiranata who was defeated by seventh seed Yeung Pak Long from Hong Kong 3-6, 1-6. More defeats suffered by David Yosua Manoah as he bowed out to eight seed Kim Young-Seok of South Korea 2-6, 2-6. Despite his fighting spirit, Irfandy Hermawan eventualy lost to Wong Chu-Hun from Hong Kong 1-6, 6-3, 0-6.

Boys’ top seed Ameer Naow of Syria saw-off Akbari Rakhmon from Tajikistan 6-4, 6-1. Then second seed of Vietnam, Nguyen Hoang Thien trashed Pinoy, Enrique Gabriel Ferrer 6-0, 6-0, while third seed Jeong In-Kyo of South Korea also booted out another Pinoy, Jurenze Mosimo Mendoza 6-2, 6-0. Fourth seed from Thailand, Krittin Koaykul had an easy outing as he crushed Sharma Dissanayake from Sri Lanka 6-1, 6-0. Sixth seed Chung Hyoon of South Korea Selatan also advanced after he rolled over Ho Tzu-Hao from Chinese Taipei 6-0, 6-0.

In girls’ singles, second seed and first leg runner-up, Aldila Sutjiadi did not have to work much as she eased past Indian, Teertha Iska 6-1, 6-1. Victories also claimed by two Indonesians, Voni Darlina and Jeany Ratnasari Anastasia. Darlina cruised past Hsu Chin-Wen of Chinese Taipei 6-2, 6-1, followed by Bali resident Anastasia who edged past Malaysian Alyssa Boey 6-3, 6-3. Early defeat was suffered by Kely Restiana Putri and Evita Febrihapsari in the opening round as Putri bowed out to Yu Yuan-Yi from China 4-6, 1-6, while Febrihapsari lost to Apichaya Runglerdkrian of Thailand 3-6, 1-6. It is truly perfect mirror by seeing this result, exactly the same with the first leg when Sutjiadi, Darlina, Anastasia moved into the second round, while Putri and Febrihapsari instantly exited in the first round.

All girls’ seeded players were through except seventh seed South Korean Jun Nam-Yeon. Only top seed and first leg winner Katherine Ip of Hong Kong received first round bye, then third seed Alina Abdurakhimova from Uzbekistan eased past Malaysian, Choo Lyn-Yuen 6-2, 6-1, followed by fourth seed of India, Samitha C Sai who saw-off Chu Chin-Hsien from Chinese Taipei 6-0, 6-4. Meanwhile fifth seed Sun Zi-Tue of China cruised past Park Yong-Eun from South Korea 6-3, 6-1, then sixth seed from Thailand, Gornganok Tiraganok defeated Lin Wing-Man of Hong Kong 6-1, 6-4. Victory was also earned by eighth seed Chen Chueh-Chu from Chinese Taipei despite fierce challenge from her opponent Marcia Tere Apisah of Papua New Guinea, Chen finally prevailed to win 6-4, 7-6(1). The only shock of the day was an early departure of seventh seed South Korean, Jun while she was up 3-1 in the first set, suddenly she decided to retire due to injury and it made Peng Ching of Hong Kong moved to second round.

Photo of Aldila Sutjiadi with Angelique Widjaja is courtesy of indotennis.com

Ysidora rolls over Hong to reach quarterfinals, Gumulya exits at Manila tourney

Number two junior player of Indonesia, Grace Sari Ysidora (ITF 78) continued her three weeks in a row of reaching the last eight round of an ITF Grade 1 tourney and today she did it at “20th Mitsubishi-Lancer International Junior Championships 2009” in Manila, the Philippines. In the third round or round 16, eighth seed Ysidora was all business, delivering 6-1, 6-2 victory over Hong Seung-Yeon from South Korea. So now, Ysidora leads 3-0 against Hong in their three outings. Yesterday in the second round, Hong made an upset as she dispacthed struggling ninth seed Kyra Shroff from India 6-3, 6-2.

Different outcome bagged by numero uno junior player of Indonesia, Beatrice Gumulya (ITF 33) who is here as second seed. Gumulya crashed out in the third round today after she was ousted by talented 14 years old Tamara Curovic of Serbia 1-6, 4-6. In the second round Curovic gave a lesson to China's Great Wall Zheng Sai Sai and she gunned down her 16th seed opponent from Shenzen 6-2, 6-4.

Photo of Grace Sari Ysidora by Adji Soedibjo

Struggling Damayanti reaches quarterfinals at windy Wellington tourney

Ayu Fani Damayanti, the only Indonesian player left in the contest of final leg at “ASB Pro Circuit” in Wellington, New Zealand experienced scare again in the second round outing. This time 16 years old local wild card Katherine Westbury imposed fierce challenge towards Balinese player. Thanks to her longer hours in tour, Damayanti at last prevailed to defeat Westbury 6-2, 6-7(1), 6-3. In the quarter-finals, Damayanti will face top seed Hwang I-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei who edged past American Sabrina Capannolo 7-5, 6-1 in the other round 16 outing.

South Korean qualifier Kim So-Jung continued her run as she crushed Australian Alison Bai 6-2, 6-1 and in the last eight round, she will play against another qualifier Hao Jie from China. Hao came back from a set down to shocked seventh seed Ana-Clara Duarte of Brazil 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Another surprise snatched by qualifier Lizaan Du Plessis from South Africa after she disposed fourth seed Zhang Ling of Hong Kong with 6-3, 6-3 victory. South Korean Kim Hae-Sung will battle with Du Plessis in the quarter-finals, as Kim fought back to defeat Japanese Remi Tezuka 5-7, 6-3, 6-3. Two seeded players, second seed Montinee Tangphong of Thailand and fifth seed Chae Kyung-Yee from South Korea secured their last eight berth despite their tough encounters. Tangphong survived the scare of Australian Alenka Hubacek as pulled out 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. While Chae forced to lose the opening set and finally saved by the bell to beat recent junior grad Yang Zi-Jun of Hong Kong 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(10).

Impressive winning streaks still owned by duo Kim So-Jung/Ayaka Maekawa (Korea Selatan/Jepang) who won both tourneys in North Shore City and Hamilton, and indeed they are still unstoppable. In the semi-finals, Kim/Maekawa eased past duet Jessy Rompies/Remi Tezuka (Indonesia/Japan) 6-3, 6-3. In the other last four round match, South Korean duo Chae Kyung-Yee/Kim Hae-Sung had to earn their victory in a hard way but eventually they won over Dianne Holland/Alenka Hubacek (New Zealand/Australia) 4-6, 6-1, 10-6.

Photo of Ayu Fani Damayanti is courtesy of AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati

Gumulya and Ysidora through, Frederika fell

From “20th Mitsubishi-Lancer International Junior Championships 2009” in Manila, the Philippines, two top junior players of Indonesia, Filipina, Beatrice Gumulya (ITF 33) and Grace Sari Ysidora (ITF 78) had to go extramiles in their first outing after getting first round bye. As second seed in this ITF Grade 1 tourney, Gumulya had a set deficit and forced to play tougher but eventually she edged past South Korean Jang Su-Jeong 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 in round 32. In different match of same round, eighth seed Ysidora came out triumphant in the battle between number two of Indonesia and Sweden. Same as her compatrot Gumulya, Ysidora was shocked with her opponent's game pattern which caused her behind in the opening set. But in the next two sets, Ysidora became stonger mentally and more patient than her persistent and strong opponent, Ellen Allgurin. Ysidora then prevailed to win 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(4).

Meanwhile Nadia Frederika of Jakarta lost instantly in the first round (round 48). Frederika who had been trained at ITA in Delray Beach, Florida bowed out to qualifier, Liu Min of China 1-6, 4-6.

Photos of Grace Sari Ysidora & Nadia Frederika by Adji Soedibjo

Lertcheewakarn crashed out in opener, Tananta continued her slump

In the remaining opening rounds at the final leg of “ASB Pro Circuit” in Wellington, New Zealand, Indonesian Lavinia Tananta continued her slump despite her fighting spirit against qualifier Hao Jie of China and she eventually bowed out 2-6, 6-3, 2-6. The biggest upset occurred when another qualifier Kim So-Jung outclassed third seed Noppawan “Nok” Lertcheewakarn of Thailand 6-3, 6-3. Experienced Kim overwhelmed Lertcheewakarn by hitting consistent strokes from the baseline.

Meanwhile top seed Hwang I-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei saw-off Japanese qualifier Sakiko Shimizu 6-1, 6-4. Second seed Montinee “Ploy” Tangphong from Thailand defeated another Japanese qualifier Etsuko Kitazaki 6-3, 6-3. Fifth seed Chae Kyung-Yee of South Korea denied the challenge of local wild card Dianne Hollands and barely won 6-4, 7-5. On the other hand, local wild card Kairangi Vano showed tremendous ferocious fight but still lost to Alenka Hubacek of Australia 5-7, 6-2, 6-7(5). Recent junior grad Yang Zi-Jun from Hong Kong dispatched struggling Thai qualifier Nungnadda “Jib” Wannasuk 6-2, 6-2. Then two qualifiers, Lizaan Du Plessis of South Africa and American Sabrina Capannolo claimed their opening round victories. Du Plessis edged past Japanese Ai Yamamoto 6-1, 6-4 while Capannolo fought back to beat local wild card Leela Beattie 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-1.

In doubles, all seeded pairs were forced to exit in the quarter-finals today. It began with top seed pair Ana-Clara Duarte/Tananta stumbled as they were beaten by duo Kim So-Jung/Ayaka Maekawa (South Korea/Japan) 0-6, 6-4, 8-10. Also leaving the competition, second seed pair Hao Jie/Zhang Ling (China/Hong Kong) after they booted out by South Korean pair, Chae Kyung-Yee/Kim Hae-Sung 2-6, 4-6. Third seed duo Alison Bai/Renee Binnie of Australia bowed out to wild card pair, Dianne Hollands/Alenka Hubacek 2-6, 3-6. Finally, fourth seed duo from Thailand, Tangphong/Wannasuk lost to Jessy Rompies/Remi Tezuka 6-1, 4-6, 7-10.

Photos of Lavinia Tananta by Adji Soedibjo & Kairangi Vano by tennisnz.com

Sutjiadi's saga ended in the final

The final hope of Indonesia, Aldila Sutjiadi was unable to capitalize victory when she finished as runner-up eventually at “Jubilee School ITF 14 & Under Asian Championships” which took place at Kemayoran Tennis Center, Jakarta, a venue owned by “tennis diva” Martina Widjaja and her cronies. In the final, third seed Sutjiadi fell to second seed Katherine Ip of Hong Kong 1-6, 4-6 yesterday (03/24/2009).

Based on the observation of Mr. Johannes Susanto, Head of Tournament Committee within Indonesia Tennis Association, Sutjiadi did not play in her normal form and she made strings of error especially in the opening set. In doubles’ final, Sutjiadi returned with her partner Evita Febrihapsari and as second seed pair, they were beaten by third seed duo from Thailand, Gornganok Tiraganok,/Nahathai Khuntaket 2-6, 6-2, 6-7(6).

In boys’ singles, top seed Syrian Ameer Naow came out as the winner but he had to earn it in a hard way over second seed Nguyen Hoang Thien of Vietnam. In the opening set the Vietnamese shocked Naow and took 6-3. Then Naow fought back and secured 6-3 in the second set. Finally in the final set, Naow closed it out 6-4.

In doubles’ final, duet Naow/Nguyen returned to the court and faced South Korean pair, Kim Young-Seok/Jeong In-Kyo. Naow’s good skills were proven also in doubles as his partnership with Nguyen brought another victory. They had quite easy battle and won 6-2, 6-2 over the South Korean duo. Second leg of the tourney will resume on Thursday and today all players are scheduled to have city tour.

Photo of Aldila Sutjiadi & Johannes Susanto is courtesy of indotennis.com

Damayanti survived in three sets, while Rompies suffered early exit

Hamilton 10K’s recent winner Ayu Fani Damayanti had difficulty in her opening round clash with Japanese Yuka Kuroda in the final leg of US $ 10,000 “ASB Pro Circuit” tournament held in Wellington, New Zealand. Kuroda gave the Balinese player a scare when she took the second set, however Damayanti stayed focus to beat her opponent 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. In the second round Damayanti will face local wild card and 16 years old Katherine Westbury. This local talent made an upset by ousting eighth seed Nudnida Luangnam of Thailand 6-2, 6-3.

Fourth seed Zhang Ling of Hong Kong edged past Aki Yamasoto of Japan 6-3, 6-4 in the other opening round. Another upset of the day was sealed by experienced Remi Tezuka of Japan as she cruised past sixth seed compatriot Ayaka Maekawa 6-1, 7-6(4). Aussie Alison Bai came from behind to defeat young Thai Varatchaya Wongteanchai 1-6, 7-5, 6-3. While the youngest of “Big Mama” club members, Jessy Rompies suffered early exit as she barely lost to seventh seed Ana-Clara Duarte of Brazil 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-7(4).

In doubles’ opening round matches, top seed duet Ana-Clara Duarte and Lavinia Tananta secured comfortably victory over local wild card pair, Leela Beattie/Brittany Teei 6-3, 6-3. Second seed pair Hao Jie/Zhang Ling (China/Hong Kong) forced to play close battle but they prevailed 7-6(4), 6-4 over qualifier Noppawan Lertcheewakarn/Varatchaya Wongteanchai of Thailand. Third seed Australian duo Alison Bai/Renee Binnie breezed past wild card pair Kairangi Vano/Ai Yamamoto (New Zealand/Japan) 6-2, 6-1. While fourth seed duo Montinee Tangphong/Nungnadda Wannasuk from Thailand fought back after a set deficit to win over Sophia Mulsap/Sakiko Shimizu (Thailand/Japan) 1-6, 6-3, 10-5. Unseeded pair Rompies/Tezuka had relatively easy opening round as they defeated Aussie duet Hayley Ericksen/Daniela Scivetti 6-0, 6-3.

Photos of Ayu Fani Damayanti & Katherine Westbury are courtesy of tennisnz.com

Sutjiadi reached the final

The sole hope of Indonesia at “Jubilee School ITF 14 & Under Asian Championships” is third seed Aldila Sutjiadi, after she cruised past seventh seed Samitha C Sai of India 6-4, 6-0 in the semi-final today. This annual event is still held at Kemayoran Tennis Center in Jakarta, Indonesia. Sai in yesterday’s last eight round surprised top seed Chen Chueh Chu of Chinese Taipei 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4). In tomorrow’s final, talented and 13 years old Sutjiadi will challenge second seed Katherine Ip from Hong Kong.

In the opening round, talented Sutjiadi began her campaign by defeating Hong Kong player, Lin Wing Man 6-4, 6-1. Then in the second round, she had an easy match as she won 6-2, 6-2 over Yu Yuan-Yi of China. In yesterday’s quarter-final, Sutjiadi came back from behind as she edged past fifth seed Thai, Gornganok Tiraganok 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Last local hope in boys’ category was tarnished after fifth seed Nur Adim Ramdhani bowed out to Jeong In-Kyo from South Korea 1-6, 4-6. In the opening round Ramdhani started his quest by crushing Cambodian Ek Shamroeun 6-1, 6-1. In the second round, Ramdhani saw-off Sun Fa Jing of China 6-4, 6-2.

Other local girls such as Voni Darlina crashed out in the second round after defeated by second seed Katherine Ip of Hong Kong 5-7, 6-4, 2-6. In the first round, Darlina crushed Hsien Chu Chin of Chinese Taipei 6-1, 6-0. Then Balinese girl, Jeany Ratnasari Anastasia also had to be satisfied with her second round defeat as she lost easily to fourth seed Sun Zi-Tue of China 1-6, 0-6. In the opening round Anastasia had to fight hard before she won over Malaysian Choo Lyn Yuen 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

Two more girls, Kely Restiana Putri and Evita Febrihapsari stumbled instantly in the first round. Putri lost to sixth seed Yeon Ju-Nam of South Korea 4-6, 0-6. Then her compatriot, Febrihapsari bowed out to another South Korean, Park Yong-Eun 2-6, 4-6.

All other Indonesian boys crashed out immediately in the opening round such as Jess David Wiranata crushed by top seed Ameer Naow from Syria 0-6, 1-6. And then David Yosua Manoah beaten easily by Kritin Koaykul of Thailand 1-6, 0-6. Meanwhile Frederico Leonardo was able to put a fight before he eventually lost to sixth seed, Cho Hyun-Duk from South Korea 4-6, 4-6, and finally Irfandy Hendrawan also lost easily to second seed Vietnamese, Nguyen Hoang Thien 1-6, 1-6.

Photo of Aldila Sutjiadi is courtesy of herself

Gumulya out, Hwang became top seed in windy Wellington

The third or final leg of "ASB Pro Circuit" tournament with total prize money of US $ 10,000 will begin its main draw in Wellington, New Zealand tomorrow. Indonesian Sandy Gumulya who suffered knee injury again last week, as expected she had to withdraw from the competition and Hwang I-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei took her spot as top seed in this tourney. In her opening round, Hwang is drawn to meet qualifier same as second seed Montinee "Ploy" Tangphong of Thailand who will play qualifier, too in the first round.

Third seed Noppawan "Nok" Lertcheewakarn also from Thailand will face qualifier as well in her first round campaign. While fourth seed Zhang Ling of Hong Kong will battle against recent junior graduate Aki Yamasoto of Japan. Fifth seed Chae Kyung-Yee of South Korea will be challenged by local wild card Dianne Hollands in the other opening round. Early battle of Japanese will feature sixth seed Ayaka Maekawa against Remi Tezuka. Seventh seed Ana-Clara Duarte of Brazil will be tested by young Indonesian Jessy Rompies and finally eighth seed Nudnida "June" Luangnam of Thailand will meet local wild card Katherine Westbury in the opening round.

Recent winner of Hamilton 10K Ayu Fani Damayanti from Bali, Indonesia will clash with Japanese Yuka Kuroda and if she wins, she will play either eighth seed Luangnam or wild card Westbury in the second round. While struggling Lavinia Tananta will try to win her opening round against qualifier and if she prevails, she will play either seventh seed Duarte or her junior Rompies.

In doubles, top seed pair is Duarte/Tananta and they will play against local wild card pair of Leela Beattie/Brittany Teei. Second seed duo is Hao Jie/Zhang Ling (China/Hong Kong) and they are drawn to meet qualifier in the first round. Third seed pair is Alison Bai/Renee Binnie of Australia who will play against wild card duo Kairangi Vano/Ai Yamamoto (New Zealand/Japan). Last but not least, fourth seed duet Tangphong/Nungnadda "Jib" Wannasuk from Thailand will clash with duo Sophia Mulsap/Sakiko Shimizu (Thailand/Japan) in the opening round.

As for Rompies, in this final week she is partnered with experienced Tezuka of Japan. They are drawn to play Hayley Ericksen/Daniela Scivetti from Australia in the first round.

Photo of Hwang I-Hsuan is courtesy of Getty Images

Babos claimed Sarawak title

World ranked number 7 Timea Babos of Hungary played just two games in the final of "13th Sarawak Chief Minister's Cup - ITF World Junior Tennis Championships 2009" in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia today. Her opponent 14th seed Tamara Curovic of Serbia decided to retire when both her and Babos were at one game a piece in the opening set. With this outcome, Babos secured the third title of her junior career and her second ITF Grade 1 title after Copa Gatorade of Venezuela last January. She grabbed her maiden title also here in Sarawak but it was an ITF Grade 3 tourney back in 2007. As for Curovic, it was her first ever final of an ITF Grade 1 tourney. So far, she has collected only two Grade 4 titles and all from tourneys in Finland.

In the semi-final, Babos stopped 16 winning streaks of China's Great Wall, Zheng Sai Sai by defeating Shenzhen tomboy resident 6-4, 6-2. While talented Curovic dispatched fourth seed Maryna Zanevska of Ukraine 6-0, 6-4 in the other last four round.

In doubles' final, top seed Babos and Malou Ejdesgaard of Denmark took the title after they fought hard to beat third seed pair Hannah James/Maryna Zanevska (Great Britain/Ukraine) 3-6, 6-3, 10-6. In the semi-final, duo Babos/Ejdesgaard eased past fourth seed pair Sachie Ishizu/Melis Sezer (Japan/Turkey) 6-1, 6-3, while James/Zanevska cruised past second seed Gumulya/Ysidora from Indonesia 6-3, 6-3.

Photo of Timea Babos is courtesy of Garcia Caparros

Damayanti grabbed her fourth title in Hamilton

Unseeded 20 years old Ayu Fani Damayanti came out as the winner in the final battle against Thai sensation and fourth seed Noppawan "Nok" Lertcheewakarnn at "ASB Pro Circuit" in Hamilton, New Zealand today. In her first meeting against world junior numero uno, the most talented among all four players from "Big Mama" entourage had to work extra as Chiang-Mai born Lertcheewakarn imposed strong fight till the end. After all, Damayanti's slight better tactic and mental toughness in critical points brought her to add her fourth title of 10K into her career record. Damayanti edged past her younger Thai opponent 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Three other titles she made in Jakarta 2005 and 2006 then her last title came in Manila in November 2008. Damayanti is on track as she is trying to get closer to her best rank of her career at WTA 358 in 2007. By joining the elite camp owned by "tennis diva" Martina Widjaja, it was obvious that Damayanti hoped to have more tourneys as she was out of overseas competition for a year until November 2008 and as its consequence, her world rank slipped drastically.

It was a bitter end for Lertcheewakarn who played her fourth 10K final after Jakarta and Bangkok in 2007 when she finished as runner-up then she got her maiden 10K title in Chiang-Mai last year. The Thai girl as runner-up here is awarded 8 rank points, while Damayanti earned 12 rank points as the winner.

Photo of Ayu Fani Damayanti by Adji Soedibjo

Damayanti & Lertcheewakarn will battle in Hamilton final

Unseeded 20 years old Ayu Fani Damayanti, so far has been saving her head coach's face as well as her big boss Martina Widjaja's reputation as a representative of "Big Mama" elite camp by cruising into final at "ASB Pro Circuit" in Hamilton, New Zealand today. In her first meeting against fifth seed Zhang Ling of Hong Kong in the last four round of second leg tourney with total prize money of US $ 10,000 - talented Balinese player had to give it all as she was forced into tie break and barely prevailed 7-6(6) in the opening set. In the second set, Damayanti became more confident with her own game and her footwork worked out very well as if she swayed fluently like worldly known Balinese dancer to close it out 6-1. She will appear in her ninth final of 10K tourney tomorrow and out of these eight final performances she has won only three titles in Jakarta 2005 and 2006 then her last title came in Manila in November 2008. Damayanti is in her quest to climb back to the best rank of her career at WTA 358 in 2007.

Damayanti will challenge Thai sensation and fourth seed Noppawan "Nok" Lertcheewakarn (WTA 353) and it will be their first meeting for the two players tomorrow. In the other semi-final, Nok did not have much trouble despite her first ever battle with eighth seed and 25 years old Ayaka Maekawa of Japan as she saw-off her older opponent 6-3, 6-2. Tomorrow Chiang-Mai born Lertcheewakarn will perform in her fourth 10K final after Jakarta and Bangkok in 2007 when she was runner-up then her maiden 10K title could not be any better than in her hometown Chiang-Mai last year. So, it will be interesting as Lertcheewakarn will attempt to grab her second title, on the other hand Balinese Damayanti will try to claim only her fourth title.

Photos of Ayu Fani Damayanti & Noppawan Lertcheewakarn are courtesy of Getty Images

Ysidora bowed out to unbeatable Zheng again

The only Indonesian left in the quarter-final, tenth seed Grace Sari Ysidora forced to end her attempt to make back to back semi-final at "13th Sarawak Chief Minister's Cup - ITF World Junior Tennis Championships 2009" in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia today. Ysidora's new nemesis was indeed China's Great Wall from Shenzhen, unseeded Zheng Sai Sai. Zheng pulled off another upset with 7-6(1), 2-6, 7-5 victory over Ysidora. Zheng continued on to stretch her winning streak as she has won 16 matches in a row till today.

A tomboy with glasses, Zheng kept on her persistency in the first set despite Ysidora's ability to control of the game. Number two Indonesian managed to lead 6-5 but failed to close it out as her opponent stayed on pressuring her and forced into tie break. Out of the blue, Ysidora experienced mental breakdown during tie break and gave the opening set to Shenzen resident 6-7(1). In the second set Ysidora regrouped herself and she was practically taking charge of the game then she took comfortable 6-2 come back. In the final set, Ysidora quickly cruised on to lead 3-0 but from then on she made a big mistake as she began to change her typical game pattern. She had to pay the price despite 4-1 lead and and then Zheng asked for a trainer to check on her foot. From such moment the Batak girl turned out to be an error machine as she kept on making errors and errors till she was barely able to lead 5-4. Ysidora had "Jakarta deja vu" as she became quite tense and finally Zheng took advantage of such situation and sealed 7-5 victory. It was very long match again along with several protests from Zheng to the umpire on his calls.

Zheng's impressive run is still on track and now she can be proud of her best outcome in reaching semi-final of an ITF Grade 1 tourney. In the last four round, Zheng will challenge top seed Hungarian Timea Babos who edged past fifth seed Hannah James from Great Britain 6-4, 6-3 in another last eight round match. Meanwhile winner of ITF Grade 1 in Thailand last week and fourth seed Maryna Zanevska of Ukraine also continued her solid form as she survived the scare of sixth seed Sachie Ishizu of Japan with 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Another winner in the quarter-final today was talented 14th seed Tamara Curovic of Serbia after she won easily over unseeded Yang Zi of China 6-1, 6-2.

As for second seed pair Beatrice Gumulya and Ysidora, their rare doubles partnership discontinued as of today in the semi-final. Gumulya/Ysidora bowed out to third seed duo James/Zanevska (Great Britain/Ukraine) 3-6, 3-6. Both Gumulya and Ysidora along with most of the players here will travel to Manila in the Philippines for another ITF Grade 1 tourney.

Photos of Zheng Sai Sai and Grace Sari Ysidora by Adji Soedibjo

Damayanti earned her semi-final spot in Hamilton

Only Ayu Fani Damayanti, recently recruited to "Big Mama" elite camp who advanced into the semi-finals at "ASB Pro Circuit" in Hamilton, New Zealand. Playing against her club mate and top seed Sandy Gumulya, Damayanti took her revenge as she won over Indonesian "golden gal" 6-2, 2-2 retired. Gumulya decided to call a quit as she had knee injury again. In the last four round, Balinese Damayanti will challenge fifth seed Zhang Ling of Hong Kong who edged past third seed Montinee "Ploy" Tangphong of Thailand 6-0, 6-3 in the other quarter-final match.

The least favorite of "Big Mama" entourage since she is still considered as "junior" by the head coach, qualifier Jessy Rompies could not get her revenge and was crushed by fourth seed Noppawan "Nok" Lertcheewakarn of Thailand 6-1, 6-0 also in the last eight round today. In the semi-final, Lertcheewakarn will battle against eighth seed Japanese Ayaka Maekawa who shocked second seed Hwang I-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei in a close duel but Maekawa prevailed 7-5, 7-5.

Doubles' final later today featured fourth seed pair Kim So-Jung/Ayaka Maekawa (South Korea/Japan) against Jessy Rompies/Varatchaya Wongteanchai (Indonesia/Thailand). Experienced duo Kim/Maekawa won their back to back title after last week in North Shore City as they edged past Rompies/Wongteanchai 7-5, 6-3 today. Here it is their 7th doubles partnership and so far both of them as a pair has collected total of 3 titles in which their first one came at Gimhae 10K in August, 2008.

All Photos of Ayu Fani Damayanti, Varatchaya Wongteanchai & Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, Sandy Gumulya are courtesy of Paul Kane/Getty Images

Tedjakusuma stumbled in doubles

After getting first round bye, second seed Romana Tedjakusuma/Story Tweedie-Yates lost the battle to young US pair Christina Mc Hale/Sloane Stephens 4-6, 3-6 in the quarter-final on Thursday (03/19/2009) at "2009 USTA Women's Pro Challenger of Redding" in Redding, California, USA. It was perfect early birthday present for Fort Lauderdale resident Stephens who would turn 16 years old today (03/20/2009). While her partner Mc Hale hails from Englewood Cliffs, in sunny California. In the semi-final, this young duo will face Anna Orlik/Masa Zec-Peskiric (Belarus/Slovenia). Unseeded pair Orlik/Zec-Peskiric toppled fourth seed duo Madison Brengle/Heidi El-Tabakh (USA/Canada) 6-1, 6-4.

In singles' second round, 18 years old Brengle made an upset of the day by disposing talented fifth seed Zec-Peskiric of Slovenia 6-3, 7-5. In the quarter-final, Brengle will challenge experienced Laura Granville of Chicago who won the battle of qualifiers after she outclassed Indian Shikha Uberoi 6-3, 6-3.

Credit should be given to wild card Stephens from Fort Lauderdale, Florida who forced Canadian third seed Stephanie Dubois into three sets. In the end Dubois managed to win 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 over the young Floridian. Meanwhile sixth seed Alberta Brianti of Italy proved as better player than China's Yuan Meng with 6-3, 6-3 victory. Dubois will have battle with Brianti in the last eight round.

The most respected Japanese player, seventh seed Kimiko Date-Krumm eased through her opening set but then she faced strong fight by her junior Aiko Nakamura in the second set and eventually secured 6-0, 6-4 victory. Date-Krumm will compete to earn spot in the semi-final with fourth seed Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland. Voegele won relatively easy second round match over Russian Alexandra Panova 6-2, 6-2. Last but not least, Japanese Rika Fujiwara did not have to sweat much as she crushed Greek Anna Gerasimou 6-0, 6-1 and she will face rising star qualifier Ajla Tomljanovic of Croatia in the last eight round.

Beautiful Tomljanovic survived such fierce challenge from wild card Asia Muhammed of USA and was able to win 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. Last week at WTA Premier tourney in Indian Wells, California, this Croat talent was awarded wild card in the main draw but she bowed out to American Angela Haynes 5-7, 2-6 in the first round. It was a sweet revenge by Haynes as she was defeated by her younger opponent in three sets at Boca Raton, Florida 25K last January. By reaching quarter-final here only in her second participation of 25K tourney, it is indeed Tomljanovic's best achievement so far in her very young career of senior pro.

Picture of Tetiana Luzhanska & Romana Tedjakusuma is courtesy of isospeed.com

Ysidora is the only hope for Indonesia at Sarawak ITF Grade 1

Number two Indonesian player, Grace Sari Ysidora reached her back to back quarter-final of an ITF Grade 1 tourney at "13th Sarawak Chief Minister's Cup - ITF World Junior Tennis Champiosnhips 2009" in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia today. Ysidora is currently ranked at ITF 92, thanks to her semi-final outcome in Thai Grade 1 tourney last week and here she is placed as tenth seed. In today's round 16 or third round she eased through the first set and eventually won a tight second set, 6-1, 7-5 over seventh seed Polina Leykina of Russia. As seeded player, Ysidora received first round bye and yesterday in the second round (round 32) she outclassed younger sister of Hsieh Su-Wei, qualifier Hsieh Shu-Ying of Chinese Taipei 6-3, 6-0.

Top seed Timea Babos of Hungary (ITF 7) also got first round bye then she survived the scare of Indian Prerna Bhambri and eventually won 3-6, 6-1, 6-3. In today's third round Babos was scheduled to play against sixteenth seed Ellen Allgurin of Sweden. In the second round Allgurin dispatched Indonesian Nadia Frederika easily 6-1, 6-1. In the opening round Frederika had to work hard to earn her first ever win in her first ever ITF Grade 1 tourney. She was challenged by recent semi-finalist of Mallacca Grade 4, Japanese Mana Ayukawa but she won 6-7(7), 6-3, 6-4.

Second seed and number one Indonesian player, Beatrice Gumulya, also got first round bye and then in the second round she bowed out to Denisa Allertova from Czech Republic 2-6, 2-6. Last year Gumulya claimed her first ever semi-final of ITF Grade 1 tourney here. In the opening round Allertova won an easy stint over South Korean lucky loser Yea Hyojung 6-2, 6-1.

After having first round bye fourth seed and recent winner of Thailand ITF Grade 1, Mariya Zanevska of Ukraine crushed Floridian yet Stosur like Jade Frampton 6-0, 6-1 in the second round yesterday. In the first round Frampton claimed her revenge when she saw-off Indonesian Laili Rahmawati Ulfa 6-2, 6-4.

Indonesian hard hitter Cynthia Melita crashed out immediately in the first round as she lost to China's Great Wall, Zheng Sai Sai 2-6, 3-6. Zheng won back to back title after Jakarta Grade 2 when she took her third title at Mallacca Grade 4, so she played here in Kuching with special exempt. Zheng is quickly ascending her rank and now she is at ITF 143.

Third seed Monika Tumova of Czech Republic continued her slump in South East Asia as she bowed out to Aussie Harriet Sheahan 5-7, 1-6 in the second round. The only Indonesian player had to play qualifying round was Bella Destriana. As third seed in the qualifying round, she was automatically playing in the final qualifying round but she barely lost to 12th seed Zhu Ai-Wen of China 6-7(2), 6-3, 2-6.

Two more seeds were stunned by China's Yang Zi and Greek qualifier Despina Papamichail. In the first round Yang defeated her friend, qualifier and younger sister of Chan Yung-Jan, Chan Hao-Ching of Chinese Taipei 6-1, 6-4. Then she shocked her opponent by upsetting eighth seed Kyra Shroff of India 6-4, 6-1 in the second round. Meanwhile Papamichail gunned down ninth seed Malou Ejdesgaard of Denmark 6-2, 7-5 also in the second round. Last but not least another shocker was wild card Liu Min of China who ousted 11th seed Ekaterina Nikitina of Russia 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the second round, too.

Two Indonesian boys fell instantly in the opening round. Number one Indonesian player David Agung Susanto was beaten by Indian Muddappa Appanervanda 3-6, 4-6. Then Michael Tjuatjadarma, finalist at Brunei Grade 4 last week who got special exempt here, was defeated by Wang Chuhan from China 2-6, 3-6. Both Susanto and Tjuatjadarma also lost in their doubles' first round matches. Susanto who partnered with Malaysian Juan Antonio Los Santos gave walk over to Indian duo Venkat Iyer/Kaza Vinayak Sharma. While Tjuatjadarma had partnership with another Malaysian, Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam and they bowed to another Indian duo Muddappa Appanervanda/Sudanwa Sitaram 1-6, 1-6.

Duo Bella Destriana/Cynthia Melita of Indonesia had to work hard before they finally won over Briar Preston/Harriet Sheahan (New Zealand/Australia) 6-4, 3-6, 10-5 in the first round. Today in second round (round 16) they barely lost to eighth seed pair Tamara Curovic/Kobkanok Upapong (Serbia/Thailand) 2-6, 6-2, 6-10.

In the meantime, Rahmawati Ulfa is paired-up with Shroff and they are placed as sixth seed. Today, duo Rahmawati/Shroff will face Chinese duet Yang Zi/Zheng Sai Sai. Yang/Zheng easily won their opening round over wild card Adelle Boey/Duygu Ozturk (Malaysia/Turkey) 6-0, 6-1. Frederika this time is partnered with Indian Ashvarya Shrivastava but they barely lost to Trang Huynh Phuong Dai/Neesha Thirumalaichelvam (Vietnam/Malaysia) 4-6, 6-7(5) in the first round.

Second seed pair is Gumulya/Ysidora as they earned first round bye. Today in the second round they slacked off in the second set but they managed to defeat South Korean duet Hong Seung-Yeon/Yea Hyojung 6-0, 6-3. The South Korean duo forced to play fierce opening round but they barely won over Jessica-Marie Agra/Stefanie Li Yun Tan (Philippines/Singapore) 5-7, 7-5, 10-4. In the quarter-final which was staged after suitable rest today, Gumulya/Ysidora survived the challenge of Chan Hao-Ching/Mai Grage (Chinese Taipei/Denmark) and finally sealed 3-6, 6-4, 10-6 victory. For Ysidora, she reached her back to back doubles' semi-final of ITF Grade 1 tourney after Thailand last week.

Photos of Ysidora, Yang, Frederika, Zheng and Melita - by Adji Soedibjo

Gumulya, Damayanti, Rompies reached quarter-finals in the land of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

Three players of "Big Mama" elite camp, top seed Sandy Gumulya, unseeded Ayu Fani Damayanti and qualifier Jessy Rompies were among winners of second round matches today at "ASB Pro Circuit" in Hamilton, New Zealand. Gumulya seemed too strong for South African qualifier Lizaan Du Plessis as Indonesian current numero uno crushed her 6-0, 6-1. In quarter-final tomorrow, Gumulya will have back to back battle against her compatriot Damayanti after the Balinese cruised past seventh seed Estelle Guisard of France 6-3, 6-1. The youngest of "Big Mama" entourage, Rompies got her revenge and defeated sixth seed South Korean Chae Kyung-Yee 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-2 in their second meeting just after last week in North Shore City. Rompies will challenge fourth seed Noppawan "Nok" Lertcheewakarn of Thailand in the last eight round. Today, Lertcheewakarn had an easy match as she saw-off Japanese Yurina Koshino 6-2, 6-0. In senior pro level, the only meeting between Rompies and Lertcheewakarn was at Bangkok 10K in 2007 and Chiang Mai born girl won as she came back with 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-1 victory. All in all, Lertcheewakarn still leads 3-0 in her head to head with Rompies including two victories in ITF junior circuit. Their last meeting was in the final of Asian/Oceania Closed Championships or ITF Grade B1 tourney in Balikpapan, Indonesia when Rompies bowed out to Nok 4-6, 2-6 last October.

In doubles, Rompies/Varatchaya Wongteanchai cruised into final as they won easily over second seed duo Alison Bai/Renee Binnie of Australia 6-3, 6-1 in semi-final today. The other semi-final match was between top seed pair Hao Jie/Zhang Ling (China/Hong Kong) and fourth seed pair Kim So-Jung/Ayaka Maekawa (South Korea/Japan). Duo Kim/Maekawa surprised the top seed pair Hao/Zhang in a close match and eventually won 6-4, 6-4.

Second seed Hwang I-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei also secured her ticket to quarter-final as she ousted South Korean qualifier Kim Hae-Sung 6-1, 6-1. Next she will meet eighth seed Ayaka Maekawa of Japan who disposed qualifier Hao Jie of China 6-3, 6-4. Third seed Montinee "Ploy" Tangphong of Thailand survived a challenge by local wild card Katherine Westbury and won 6-1, 4-6, 6-1. Tomorrow, Ploy will be up to play against fifth seed Zhang Ling of Hong Kong as the first leg winner of these 10K tourneys edged past another local wild card Dianne Hollands 7-6(3), 6-1.

Photo of Jessy Rompies by Adji Soedibjo

Date-Krumm, Muhammed, Granville through in Redding, California

In a tourney with total prize money of US $ 25,000 at "2009 USTA Women's Pro Challenger of Redding" in Redding, California, USA, Japanese Kimiko Date-Krumm, once ranked at WTA 4 and seventh seed here, gave a lesson to young lucky loser of California, Christina Mc Hale and sealed 6-2, 6-3 victory in the opening round. Former tennis queen of Japan Date-Krumm will battle with her junior, Aiko Nakamura who ousted German qualifier Andrea Petkovic 6-3, 5-7, 6-2.

First upset occured when second seed Angelique Kerber of Germany (WTA 115) was beaten by Greek Anna Gerasimou (WTA 200) 5-7, 4-6. Another shock of the day was created by local wild card Asia Muhammed as she edged past eighth seed Tomoko Yonemura of Japan 7-5, 6-3 in the first round. Then the teenager from Las Vegas will play against qualifier and rising star Ajla Tomljanovic from Croatia in the second round. Meanwhile qualifier but experienced Laura Granville from Chicago disposed lucky loser Arina Rodionova, younger sister of Anastasia Rodionova from Russia. Granville had close match but she prevailed 7-6(2), 6-4. Rodionova replaced top seed Anastasia Yakimova who eventually pulled out of the tourney.

Another young American Madison Brengle also advanced in the second round after she won over Aussie qualifier Johanna Konta 6-1, 3-2 retired. The other seeded players such as third seed Stephanie Dubois of Canada, fourth seed Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland, fifth seed Masa Zec-Peskiric from Slovenia, sixth seed Italian Alberta Brianti all moved on to the next round.

Other Asian players like qualifier Shikha Uberopi of India, Yuan Meng of China and Japanese Rika Fujiwara also advanced into the second round.

Gumulya and Rompies cruised into second round in Kiwi fruit land

Top seed Sandy Gumulya and qualifier Jessy Rompies passed their first round as they claimed victory today at ASB Waikato Tennis Center, Hamilton, New Zealand. In the second week of "ASB Pro Circuit" tourney with total prize money of US $ 10,000 Gumulya began her campaign and defeated Australian Alison Bai 6-3, 6-1. In the second round, Indonesian number one will face qualifier South African Lizaan Du Plessis who outclassed Gumulya's compatriot Lavinia Tananta 6-1, 6-2 also in the opening round.

Recent junior graduate Rompies experienced tough fight from 28 years old Japanese Remi Tezuka but ten years younger Indonesian prevailed such thriller with 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory. In the next round, Rompies will have back to back clash with sixth seed Chae Kyung-Yee of South Korea.

Second seed Hwang I-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei also had back to back match with qualifier South Korean Kim So-Jung and once again, Hwang proved as better player and won 6-3, 7-6(3) in the opening round.

In doubles, duo Rompies and Varatchaya Wongteanchai of Thailand moved into semi-final after they edged past Thai duet Sophia Mulsap/Nungnadda Wannasuk 6-4, 7-5. In the last four round, Rompies/Wongteanchai will play against second seed pair Alison Bai/Renee Binnie of Australia.

Photo of Jessy Rompies by Adji Soedibjo

Damayanti secured her second round berth in the land of Haka dance

Balinese player Ayu Fani Damayanti did not waste her time to clinch her first round victory at "ASB Pro Circuit" in Hamilton, New Zealand today. In the second week tourney with total prize money of US $ 10,000 Damayanti eased past young Thai Varatchaya Wongteanchai 6-2, 6-2. In the second round on Thursday, she will play against seventh seed Estelle Guisard of France. Currently at WTA 370, 19 years old Guisard fought back to beat American Anna Wishink (WTA 495) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

The other three Indonesians, top seed Sandy Gumulya, unseeded Lavinia Tananta and qualifier Jessy Rompies are scheduled to play their opening campaign tomorrow. As for Damayanti and Tananta who are paired again this week, they lost easily in doubles as they were beaten by top seed duet Hao Jie/Zhang Ling (China/Hong Kong) 3-6, 0-6 in today's first round. On the other hand, Rompies/Wongteanchai edged past South Korean duo Chae Kyung-Yee/Shin Jung-Yoon 6-1, 7-5 and moved into quarter-final to play against Thai pair Sophia Mulsap/Nungnadda Wannasuk.

Meanwhile two Thai seeded players, third seed Montinee "Ploy" Tangphong and fourth seed Noppawan "Nok" Lertcheewakarn moved on to the second round, too. Tangphong had to give everything she had to defeat Japanese Ai Yamamoto 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. While up and coming Lertcheewakarn cruised past recently graduate of junior circuit and qualifier Aki Yamasoto of Japan 6-3, 6-3. Other winners of the opening round such as sixth seed Chae Kyung-Yee of South Korea who gunned down Ana-Clara Duarte of Brazil 6-1, 6-4; also qualifier Chinese Hao Jie saw off local prodigy Kairangi Vano 6-0, 7-6(5). Last but not least, in the battle of qualifiers, South Korean Kim Hae-Sung did not have much trouble to win 6-1, 6-2 over Nungnadda "Jib" Wannasuk of Thailand.

Picture of Ayu Fani Damayanti & Lavinia Tananta by Adji Soedibjo

Tedjakusuma failed into main draw in California

Romana Tedjakusuma is currently world ranked 357 and has resumed her tour after last action in Lutz, Florida in the third week of January, 2009. This week Surabaya born Tedjakusuma placed as 5th seed in the qualifying round at "2009 USTA Women's Pro Challenger of Redding" in Redding, California, USA. In a tourney with total prize money of US $ 25,000 Tedjakusuma had an opening qualifying round bye and yesterday in Q2 or final qualifying she was forced to play three sets and eventually lost to 16 years old and 13th seed Anna Orlik of Belarus 3-6, 6-0, 3-6. Orlik is currently at WTA 730.

Then Tedjakusuma will focus on her doubles as she is partnered with American Story Tweedie-Yates and they are designated as second seed which entitled to get first round bye. In the quarter-final, Tedjakusuma/Tweedie-Yates will face either Christina Mc Hale/Sloane Stephens (USA/USA) or Anna Gerasimou/Ksenia Palkina (Greece/Kyrgiztan).

It was interesting to know that 27 years old Laura Granville of Chicago, USA has returned to the tour after a year hiatus. Granville last appearance was in Midland 75K, Michigan when she claimed the title in February 2008. She reached her highest rank at WTA 28 in 2003. This time, she had to go through qualifying round and she got through as qualifier. She will be up to face an early challenge as she will play top seed Anastasia Yakimova (WTA 95) of Belarus in the first round. Second seed is German Angelique Kerber. Some Japanese are present here and the pack is led by former WTA 4 Kimiko Date-Krumm as seventh seed. Followed by eighth seed Tomoko Yonemura, Aiko Nakamura, Rika Fujiwara and talented Kurumi Nara. One of wild card recipients is Asia Muhammed of USA and she will give her early fight against Japanese Yonemura in the opening round.

Gumulya bowed out to Zhang in semi-final

Surprise and not surprise to find out the outcome of singles' semi-final between top seed Sandy Gumulya and sixth seed Zhang Ling of Hong Kong at "ASB Pro Circuit", a 10K tourney in North Shore City, New Zealand today. It was a nice revenge by Zhang as she edged past Gumulya 7-5, 6-2 and will have chance to grab her third 10K's title tomorrow. In 2006 at Jakarta 10K, Gumulya defeated Zhang 6-3, 6-1 in their first meeting. "Big Mama" elite camp plan was certainly ruined as its head coach thought it could have been easier for her "golden gal" to earn another 10K title here or it was most likely her 7th 10K's title. The heat is still on as the elite entourage will play in two remaining 10Ks in Kiwi land.

The other semi-final battle featured second seed Hwang I-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei and qualifier Kim So-Jung of South Korea. Hwang, 20 years old, is currently at WTA 318 and was playing her 5th 10K's semi-final today as she is in her quest to return to her best rank of WTA 266. Hwang's best result was at Taipei 100K last year when she finished in the second round. Once she experienced to play Aussie Open Grand Slam qualifying round in 2008 and she ended-up in the second round or Q2. Hwang proved as better player than two years older Kim and won easily 6-3, 6-0. Hwang will try to get her maiden 10K title tomorrow as her best outcome in 10K was only runner-up in Balikpapan 2005 and Tokyo 2008.

Meanwhile Kim, 22 years old, is now ranked at WTA 883 but in fact her highest rank was at WTA 282 in 2006. Today she emulated what she did as semi-finalist at Gimhae 10K in her own country last year. It was indeed an impressive run by Kim as qualifier and got into semi-final.

Sandy Gumulya moved into semi-final in the kingdom of Lord of the rings

From “ASB Pro Circuit” tournament with total prize money of US $ 10,000 in North Shore City, New Zealand, top seed Sandy Gumulya once again had another easy match as she edged past Ana-Clara Duarte of Brazil 6-1, 6-2 in quarter-final today. Therefore, the current numero uno of Indonesia,
Gumulya will appear in her 14th semi-finals of 10K and she will face sixth seed Zhang Ling, who was born in China but she has been playing for Hong Kong till now. In one of the quarter-finals today, Zhang had to put up with tough battle against South African qualifier, Lizaan Du Plessis but Zhang came from behind to win 6-7(1), 6-2, 6-4. Zhang is currently at WTA 367 and is still 19 years old. So far in her career, she has collected two titles of 10K in Wellington, New Zealand and Tokyo, Japan both in 2007. Her best achievement was at a tourney with total prize money of US $ 50,000 in New Delhi, India last December. The two players, Gumulya and Zhang have met once before at Jakarta 10K in 2006 and back then Gumulya cruised past Zhang 6-3, 6-1 in round 16.

Ysidora's run halted by top seed Babos

The optimum outcome by Grace Sari Ysidora ended in the semi-final of "LTAT Dunlop Thailand Open" in Nonthaburi, Thailand this morning. Playing against top seed and world junior ranked number 9, Timea Babos of Hungary, eventually Ysidora lost 3-6, 4-6. As she herself informed, she acknowledged that her opponent was better in terms of her power. Particularly in the first set, Ysidora did not do well in her returns but then in the second set she gradually picked her usual return and she started to challenge Babos. In the end, she was defeated and failed to reach the final.

Ysidora seemed quite pleased with this result as she ended-up as semi-finalist in ITF Grade 1 tourney for the very first time. In addition, she earned 80 rank points. In doubles, with Natchanok Saenyaukhot and as fourth seed pair, duo Saenyaukhot/Ysidora bowed out to second seed local pair, Khunpak Issara/Kanyapat Narattana 6-4, 2-6, 4-10. Such result was really good as Ysidora partnered with Saenyaukhot for the first time, while duo Issara/Narattana have been playing together several times before.

Saenyaukhot as seventh seed in singles, also got the same outcome as her doubles partner. In the other last four round battle, Saenyaukhot was beaten by fifth seed Maryna Zanevska of Ukraine 2-6, 6-7(4). Zanevska a month ago claimed her title at ITF Grade 2 tourney in Tunisia and in the final she will face top seed Babos tomorrow.

Grace Sari Ysidora into semi-final in beautiful Thailand

World ranked ITF 129 Grace Sari Ysidora and is placed as eleventh seed here at “LTAT Dunlop Thailand Open” in Nonthaburi, Thailand booked her first ever semi-final in ITF Grade 1 tourney. Today in her first ever quarter-final of ITF Grade 1 also, Ysidora cruised past wild card Napatsakorn Sankaew of Thailand 6-1, 7-5. In contest against same age player, in the opening set Ysidora applied her attacking game well though Sankaew has improved quite significant in terms of her game quality. The Thai girl imposed her typical long rallies but Ysidora showed her solid self-esteem to play consistent in shooting back to her opponent to create points. The Batak girl comfortably took the 1st set 6-1. In the second set, Ysidora could not maintain her own game and quickly trailed 1-3 but then she regrouped herself to fight back till she was up 5-4. Then number two Indonesian junior player experienced pressure to win which made her lost concentration. It was Sankaew’s turn to gain one game to make it 5-5. After all, Ysidora managed to regain her composure and sealed 7-5 victory.

Now Ysidora leads 2-0 in her head to head with Sankaew. Grace was motivated to play all out after her early exit at Jakarta Grade 2 last week. She has been finding back her own game so far and it has been paid off as she could reach semi-final of ITF Grade 1 for the very first time.

Tough battle in the semi-final against top seed Timea Babos of Hungary who is currently at ITF 9. Ysidora is very familiar with Babos although she had no meeting before with talented Babos. Babos was born only five days earlier than Ysidora and she is from Sopron, Hungary. Her maiden title she got at ITF Grade 3 in Sarawak, Malaysia in 2007. Then second title came for Babos in the mid of January 2009 at “Copa Gatorade” which is an ITF Grade 1 tourney in Venezuela. Her best performance so far was as semi-finalist at an ITF Grade A known as “31st International Casablanca Junior Cup” in Mexico in early January 2009. Babos had beaten former Indonesian numero uno Jessy Rompies at an ITF Grade 1 tourney in Sarawak in March 2008, and Babos edged past Rompies 6-1, 1-6, 6-1.

In doubles Ysidora paired with fourth seed Thai, Natchanok Saenyaukhot, who also cruised into singles’ semi-final to face fifth seed Maryna Zanevska of Ukraine. Duet Saenyaukhot/Ysidora is fourth seed and got first round bye (draw 24). In the second round yesterday, Saenyaukhot/Ysidora saw-off combo of India/Turkmenistan, Sharmada Balu/Anastasiya Prenko 6-3, 6-3. In the quarter-final today, duo Thailand Indonesia denied the challenge of Czech Republic pair and sixth seed, Denisa Allertova/Monika Tumova 4-6, 6-4, 10-5. In the semi-final tomorrow, Saenyaukhot/Ysidora will face local duet and second seed, Khunpak Issara/Kanyapat Narattana.

Photo of Grace Sari Ysidora by Adji Soedibjo

Sandy Gumulya into quarter-final in Pokare kare ana land

From “ASB Pro Circuit” tournament with total prize money of US $ 10,000 which is now held in North Shore City, New Zealand, top seed Selandia Baru, Sandy Gumulya won quite easy over her club friend Ayu Fani Damayanti 6-1, 6-3 in the second round today. In the quarter-final tomorrow, Gumulya will clash with Ana-Clara Duarte of Brazil. In her second round match, Duarte was forced to work hard by young Thai, Varatchaya Wongteanchai before she made it through 7-5, 2-6, 6-4. Duarte was born in Rio De Janeiro and is now ranked at WTA 448. Still 19 years old, Duarte has two singles’ titles from tourneys of US $ 10,000 in Benin City, Nigeria in March 2007 and from La Habana, Cuba in December 2008. Her best outcome of her career was at Carson, California 50K when she finished in the second round last June.

Meanwhile Jessy Rompies, a qualifier, eventually fell today. Rompies bowed out to fifth seed South Korean, Chae Kyung-Yee 7-6(6), 5-7, 0-6. In the final set when Chae was up 1-0, rain fell and the match was suspended. Early exit was experienced by Lavinia Tananta as she was beaten by South Korean qualifier, Kim Hae-Sung 2-6, 3-6 in the first round. In doubles, duo Damayanti/Tananta also barely lost to Aussie pair, Alison Bai/Renee Binnie 6-3, 3-6, 7-10 in the quarter-final.

Photo of Sandy Gumulya by Adji Soedibjo

Thai ITF Grade 1 - Ysidora romped into quarter-final

From “LTAT Junior Championships” tournament in Nonthaburi, Thailand, number two Indonesian junior player, Grace Sari Ysidora, an eleventh seed here continued her run when she crushed Zhao Di of China 6-0, 6-2 in third round (round 16). As of now, Ysidora leads her head to head with Zhao 2-1. Last September in Beijing, Ysidora had no mercy to beat Zhao 6-0, 6-0 at an ITF Grade 2 tourney called “China Open”, then Zhao earned her revenge by defeating Ysidora 6-1, 6-4 at an ITF Grade B1 tournament entitled “Balikpapan International Junior Championships” in late October 2008. Armed with her typical attacking game, as counter puncher, Ysidora showed her confidence to face her good friend off-court and she did not let Zhao to execute her own game at all.

Only playing in her fifth ITF Grade 1 tourney after Thailand and Sarawak last year and then early this season at Traralgon and Nottinghill both in Australia, eventually Ysidora claimed her first ever quarter-final of Grade 1. Such a breakthrough indeed for this talented young girl and definitely it will help her world ranking to improve next week.

In the last eight round tomorrow, Ysidora will face local wild card Napatsakorn Sankaew. A player who is also 15 years old same as Ysidora, Sankaew shocked fourth seed Kanyapat Narattana of Thailand in tight battle, 7-6(3), 7-6(4). Ysidora and Sankaew had played before at Thailand ITF Grade 2 tourney in October 2008 and back then Ysidora saw-off Sankaew 6-2, 6-2. Sankaew’s best outcome was at ITF Grade 4 tourney in Thailand last year when she was a semi-finalist.

Meanwhile, bad loss experienced by David Agung Susanto in doubles. Partnered with Malaysian Juan Antonio Los Santos, duo Indonesia and Malaysia instantly lost to local pair, Adirek Khundarnpinitvon/Paninthon Pakpoomkamol, 6-4, 3-6, 9-11 in the opening round.

Other third round results of girls’ singles:

1-Timea Babos (Hungaria) d 14-Nicha Lertpitaksinchai 6-4, 6-4
6-Hannah James (Inggris) d Mai Grage (Denmark) 7-5, 6-3
4-Natchanok Saenyaukhot (Thailand) d Q-Nahathai Khuntaket (Thailand) 6-1, 6-4
Liu, Min (China) d 16-Kobkanok Upapong (Thailand) 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4
5-Maryna Zanevska (Ukraina) d Yang Zi (China) 7-6(5), 63
2-Khunpak Issara (Thailand) d 13-Juan Ting-Fei (China Taipei) 7-6(3), 6-1

Photo of Grace Sari Ysidora by Adji Soedibjo

From the King and I palace: Ysidora won, Susanto fell

Different results posted by two Indonesian junior players, Grace Sari Ysidora and David Agung Susanto in their participation at “LTAT Junior Championships”, the highest junior tourney owned by Thailand with category of ITF Grade 1. This popular tourney is held at LTAT Tennis Complex in Nonthaburi, less than an hour away from Victory Monument area, in Bangkok.

Ranked at ITF 129, Ysidora is placed as 11th seed and she received first round bye (draw 48). In the second round today, the Batak girl crushed lefty South Korean, Hong Seung-Yeon 6-1, 6-0. In their first meeting, Ysidora defeated Hong in the final of “Oneject International Junior Championships” (ITF Grade 4) in July 2008 in Bandung. As information, Hong is actually still fresh from her maiden title from ITF Grade 4 in Bangladesh in early February 2009. Then she became semi-finalist at ITF Grade 3 tourney in Bangladesh, too.

In the third round (round 16) tomorrow, Ysidora will play against her friend, Zhao Di (ITF 383) from China. In the second round today, Zhao surprised eighth seed Kyra Shroff of India with 6-0, 6-1 victory. In their first clash, Ysidora won easily over Zhao 6-0, 6-0 in the second round of China Open, an ITF Grade 2 tourney in Beijing last September. Then a month later at “Balikpapan International Junior Championships” – an ITF Grade B1, Zhao claimed her revenge as she defeated her friend, Ysidora 6-1, 6-4 also in the second round. In doubles, Ysidora is partnered with local Natchanok Saenyaukhot and they are designated as fourth seed, so they got first round bye today.

Bad news came from Indonesian number one junior player, David Agung Susanto (ITF 117). Hailed from Semarang, Central Java, Susanto bowed out to “lucky loser” Venkat Iyer of India 6-7(5), 1-6.

From Kiwi land with early wins

Three recent members of Fed Cup team, Sandy Gumulya, Ayu Fani Damayanti and Jessy Rompies passed their opening round and through into second round of “ASB Pro Circuit” tournament with total prize money of US $ 10,000 in North Shore City, New Zealand today. Indonesian numero uno, Gumulya is top seed here but she was forced to play tough battle by 18 years old, Alenka Hubacek of Australia. Gumulya is currently at WTA 293 and she faced difficulty in anticipating grueling fight from world ranked 545 Hubacek. Only saved by the bell, Gumulya barely prevailed to escape an Aussie’s scare, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(4). Hubacek’s best record came true when she was given a wild card but managed to finish as quarter-finalist of Kawana 25K, Australia last September.

Being rusty was certainly experienced by world ranked 564 Damayanti, too. She had to work hard to earn her spot in the second round. Probably she have been slept in the opening round or had “day dream” as she crushed easily by silver medalist at 2007 SEA Games, Nudnida Luangnam or June from Thailand. Damayanti lost 0-6 in the first set, but then she bounced back to win 6-4, 6-2. In the next round, she will face her compatriot, Gumulya and so far the top seed still leads 4-1 in her international meetings with Damayanti. Meanwhile, in the last national circuit, Gumulya lost to the Balinese girl in the round-robin match during “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters” last December.

Youngest of the pack, Jessy Rompies, a qualifier here also got through into second round same as her seniors. In the opening round this morning, Rompies (WTA 720) secured her win after defeating Japanese Yurina Koshino (WTA 612) 6-4, 6-3. As 7th seed in qualifying round, Rompies saw off another Japanese, Etsuko Kitazaki 6-3, 6-0 in Q1. Then in Q2 or final qualifying, she edged past 16th seed Australian, Julia Moriarty, 6-0, 7-5. In the second round on Thursday, Rompies will challenge fifth seed and 28 years old South Korean, Chae Kyung-Yee. Chae is now at WTA 369 and had her best outcome of 2008 season when she became runner-up at Miyazaki 25K, Japan and only beaten by former WTA 4 in 1995, Kimiko Date-Krumm.

Another member of Fed Cup squad, Lavinia Tananta (WTA 565), will play her opening round tomorrow against South Korean qualifier, Kim Hae-Sung (WTA 676). In doubles, only Damayanti and Tananta are paired, while Gumulya and Rompies are only playing singles. Today duo Damayanti/Tananta cruised past second seed pair, Nicole Clerico/Ana Clara-Duarte (Italy/Brazil) 7-6(4), 6-3. In the quarter-final, Indonesian duet will clash with Aussie pair, Alison Bai/Renee Binnie. Bai/Binnie won their opening round over local wild card, Luci Barlow/Dianne Hollands 7-5, 6-2.

Based on my observation, Gumulya actually had entered 50 K in Clearwater, Florida (February 23 to March 1, 2009) and also 25 K in Fort Walton Beach, Florida (March 2-8, 2009). Then unsurprised news came when Gumulya was ordered by her manager and her coach at the “elite” camp owned by “Big Mama” to withdraw from North American tour. As consequence, she got fine in US dollars. In my opinion, bosses at the “elite” camp are concerned with Gumulya’s world rank as it is approaching 300 now. Most likely they thought that it will be easier for Gumulya to grab title here or simply to boost her confidence back. But the biggest stake holder of Indonesian tennis, the crazy fans think that all in all Gumulya’s game quality is still suitable to 10K level. Indeed, such “beauty” of Indonesian tennis nowadays! Truly pathetic!

Boys' shots from Jakarta Grade 2

Pictures of Barry, Huang, Munshaw, White by Adji Soedibjo