Damayanti surprises top seed Webley-Smith

Balinese Ayu Fani Damayanti made an upset today (April 30, 2009) as she booted out top seed Emily Webley-Smith of Great Britain 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of "Bankaltim International Open 2009" at Balikpapan Tennis Stadium. After an hour of rain delay, finally all first matches took place in abruptly scorching hot condition. Another upset was claimed by young Hungarian Reka-Luca Jani after she worked hard in ousting third seed Zhang Ling of Hong Kong with 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 victory.

Meanwhile second seed Stefania Boffa from Switzerland came back from behind to beat China's Lu Jia-Jing 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-4. In quarterfinals, Boffa will face challenge from resurgent Thai qualifier Nungnadda "Jib" Wannasuk who crushed Japanese Ai Yamamoto 6-1, 6-0. Other seeded players such as sixth seed and qualifier Tadeja Majeric of Slovenia and seventh seed Seiko Okamoto from Japan still cruised into the last eight round. Majeric disposed Big Mama's hard hitter Jessy Rompies 7-5, 6-3 and now 18 years old Majeric is leading 2-0 in her head to head with Rompies. In their first outing also here in Balikpapan 10K back in 2007, Majeric won 7-6(5), 6-3.

In the meantime, "veteran" Okamoto was forced to play a tight opening set against 15 years old wild card Grace Sari Ysidora. Experienced Okamoto quickly led 2-0 but Ysidora fought hard to level it up to 2-2. Okamoto bounced back to distance herself from her much younger opponent, 4-2. Showing her determination, Ysidora stormed back and even she was up 5-4 and suddenly she experienced cramp on the lower part of her foot. From then on talented Ysidora just played to survive and lost 6-7(3). In the second set, Ysidora hardly moved well and Okamoto took such situation in closing it out easily 6-0.

Another Big Mama's girl, Lavinia Tananta bowed out to Hao Jie of China 3-6, 2-6. Last month in their first encounter, Hao had tougher battle against Tananta but she won 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 at Wellington 10K in New Zealand. Then Japanese Erika Sema also continued her run into quarterfinals as she outclassed lucky loser Trang Huynh Phuong Dai of Vietnam 6-0, 6-1.

In doubles' semi-finals, top seed duo Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma edged past Ayu Fani Damayanti/Lavinia Tananta 6-3, 6-2, while third seed pair Emily Webley-Smith/Zhang Ling consoled their singles' defeat by denying semi-finals' spot for local duo Beatrice Gumulya/Jessy Rompies. Webley-Smith/Zhang had to fight extra harder before they defeated Gumulya/Rompies 7-5, 3-6, 10-4.

Photos of Balikpapan Tennis Stadium by kaltimpost; Romana Tedjakusuma by antara, Yayuk Basuki by thejakartapost

Tedjakusuma, Luangnam bundled out in Balikpapan openers

Two seeded players at “Bankaltim International Open 2009” in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesian fourth seed Romana Tedjakusuma and eighth seed Nudnida “June” Luangnam from Thailand were upset by their opponents on Wednesday’s first round. The oldest player in the main draw, Tedjakusuma slipped away and lost to Japanese Erika Sema 1-6, 2-6. While resurgent Thai qualifier Nungnadda “Jib” Wannasuk fought back to earn victory over her compatriot Luangnam 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Other seeds in action Tuesday coasted to victory. Top seed Emily Webley-Smith of Great Britain had an easy opening campaign after she crushed Slovenian Petra Pajalic 6-0, 6-2. Then second seed Stefania Boffa from Switzerland staved off a spirited fight from Chinese qualifier Yang Yi with 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-3 victory. Also advanced into second round was third seed Zhang Ling from Hong Kong who survived a scare by local wild card Beatrice Gumulya. Eventually Zhang resumed her own game to come back and won 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 over younger sister of Sandy Gumulya.

A qualifier and sixth seed, Tadeja Majeric of Slovenia outclassed Dianne Hollands from New Zealand 6-0, 6-0. Meanwhile seventh seed Seiko Okamoto of Japan ousted Thai qualifier Satjaporn Mahajaroenkul 6-1, 6-2. Two players from Big Mama camp posted victory and moved into second round. Lavinia Tananta faced strong challenge from British Anna Fitzpatrick but she prevailed to win 6-4, 6-4, then Jessy Rompies eased past local qualifier Priscilla Anggrenny Oky-Suconong 6-1, 6-3.

One of the youngest players in the main draw, Grace Sari Ysidora became the only local wild card who cruised into the next round. In the opening round, currently ranked at WTA 1027 and only playing her fourth tourney in senior pro, Ysidora came back from a set down to defeat Thai qualifier Nicha Lertpitaksinchai 2-6, 7-5, 6-0.

In doubles’ quarterfinals, top seed pair Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma had slight difficulty in the first set but they managed to overcome it and edged past qualifiers Lu Jia Xiang/Yang Yi from China 7-6(4), 6-2. Duo Beatrice Gumulya/Jessy Rompies continued their run as they edged past wild card pair Jawairiah Noordin/Laili Rahmawati Ulfa (Malaysia/Indonesia) 6-2, 7-6(2). Also advancing into the last four round, duet Ayu Fani Damayanti/Lavinia Tananta who defeated fourth seed pair Seiko Okamoto/Erika Sema of Japan 6-3, 6-4. Then the only foreign pair through into semi-finals was third seed pair Emily Webley-Smith/Zhang Ling (Great Britain/Hong Kong). Duo Webley-Smith and Zhang eased past Thai duet Montinee Tangphong/Nungnadda Wannasuk 6-3, 6-0.

Other results – 1st round singles

Reka-Luca Jani (HUN) d. Q-Liu Chang (CHN) 6-2, 6-2
LL-Trang Huynh Phuong Dai (VIE) d. Q-Kaori Onishi (JPN) 6-4, 3-6, 7-5; Trang replaced Yang Zi-Jun (HKG)

Photos of Erika Sema by Osaka Mayor's Cup; Nungnadda Wannasuk by Nationmultimedia; Balikpapan Tennis Stadium and city of Balikpapan are courtesy of kaltimpost

Tangphong crashes out, Damayanti eases through

Only four singles matches played in the opening round of “Bankaltim International Open 2009” which is held at Balikpapan Tennis Stadium, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. Fifth seed Montinee “Ploy” Tangphong was forced to play tight the opening set but then she failed to continue her form and lost 7-6(3), 3-6, 0-6 to Hao Jie from China. In this level of tourney, actually Tangphong's best performance was runner-up at Phuket 25K, Thailand in 2005. Now Hao waits the winner of battle between Anna Fitzpatrick from Great Britain and Indonesian Lavinia Tananta.

Meanwhile one of Big Mama camp’s members, Ayu Fani Damayanti had an easy “picnic” today as she booted out local province wild card Dian Anggraini 6-1, 6-0. Another wild card consented by Pelti, Cynthia Melita made her debut but lost to Lu Jia-Jing of China 1-6, 3-6. Then Japanese Ai Yamamoto also advanced into second round after she edged past He Chun-Yan from China 7-5, 6-1.

In doubles’ first round, top seed pair Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma gave a quick lesson to their juniors as they crushed wild card duet of Dian Anggraini/Priscilla Anggrenny Oky-Suconong 6-1, 6-0. Shock of the day was made by duo Beatrice Gumulya/Jessy Rompies as they ousted second seed pair Stefania Boffa/Anna Fitzpatrick (Switzerland/Great Britain) 6-3, 6-3. Also through into quarterfinals, duo Ayu Fani Damayanti/Lavinia Tananta after they edged past Sophia Mulsap/Ai Yamamoto (Thailand/Japan) 6-3, 6-1. Two more wild card pairs had different results as wild card duo Jawairiah Noordin/Laili Rahmawati Ulfa (Malaysia/Indonesia) came from behind to beat qualifiers Lu Jia-Jing/Kei Sekine (China/Japan) 2-6, 6-3, 10-7, while wild card duet of Cynthia Melita/Grace Sari Ysidora bowed out to fourth seed pair, Seiko Okamoto/Erika Sema from Japan 5-7, 2-6.

Other results – 1st round doubles

Renee Binnie/Dianne Hollands (AUS/NZL) lost to (Q)Lu Jia Xiang Lu/Yang Yi (CHN) 7-5, 0-6, 6-10
Tadeja Majeric/Petra Pajalic (SLO) lost to Montinee Tangphong/Nungnadda Wannasuk (THA) 6-7(7), 2-6
(3)Emily Webley-Smith/Zhang Ling (GBR/HKG) defeated Hao Jie/Zheng Jun-Yi (CHN) 6-0, 6-4

Photos of Balikpapan Tennis Stadium by kabarindonesia.com; Ayu Fani Damayanti by Antara & Ai Yamamoto by Toyota Junior Tennis

Let's swing in Balikpapan

British player Emily Webley-Smith is the top seed of singles main draw at “Bankaltim International Open 2009” which is underway today. 24 years old Webley-Smith had long overdue “breakthrough” in 2008 as she eventually earned her maiden title of 10K at Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Spain then as qualifier she cruised all they way to quarterfinals at Kolkata, India 50K. In her opening round of the second year tourney with total prize money of US $ 25,000, Webley-Smith will face Slovenian Petra Pajalic and if she gets through, it is likely she will play against Ayu Fani Damayanti of Indonesia. The Balinese player Damayanti has an easy first round as she will play wild card Dian Anggraini.

The second seed is Stefania Boffa from Switzerland who had played here before. Boffa will meet Chinese qualifier Yang Yi in the first round. Meanwhile third seed Zhang Ling of Hong Kong will play against wild card Beatrice Gumulya. Then fourth seed “veteran” Romana Tedjakusuma will face Japanese Erika Sema in the opening round.
Fifth seed Montinee “Ploy” Tangphong of Thailand is opening her campaign against China’s Hao Jie. Second time visitor to Indonesia, qualifier and sixth seed Tadeja Majeric from Slovenia will face Dianne Hollands of New Zealand. Then seventh seed “veteran” Seiko Okamoto of Japan will play against Thai qualifier Satjaporn Mahajaroenkul. And last but not least eighth seed Nudnida “June” Luangnam of Thailand will clash with her compatriot and qualifier Nungnadda “Jib” Wannasuk.

Other Indonesian players from Big Mama’s camp beside Damayanti and Gumulya are Lavinia Tananta and she is going to play against British Anna Fitzpatrick. Then Jessy Rompies is drawn to meet local qualifier Priscilla Anggrenny Oky Suconong from Surabaya.

Some independent local players such as Grace Sari Ysidora and Cynthia Melita are given wild card by Indonesia Tennis Association. Ysidora will have her opening campaign against qualifier yet her friend, Nicha Lertpitaksinchai of Thailand, while Melita will challenge Lu Jia-Jing of China.

In my opinion, the tourney schedule could have been better this year. Personally, I have voiced my concern to Indonesia Tennis Association at its head office. Back in 2007 it was nice circuit as it started with Jakarta 10K, then Tarakan 10K and finally Balikpapan 10K. Then last year, it began with Balikpapan 25K, Tarakan 10K and Bulungan 10K. This year, I should say it is such a strange schedule. It started with Balikpapan 25K, Tarakan 10K next week and the following week will be Tanjung Selor 25K. Actually, in the original tour schedule there was Manado 10K as the final stop but it was cancelled due to the local tennis association mismanagement. When I asked why this year schedule was odd, officials at Indonesia Tennis Association or known as Pelti said that each local tourney committee insisted to have the dates as they wanted. I argued with Pelti that it is Pelti’s job to provide sound advice to each local tennis association in terms of professional tour schedule. For example, in the original entry list Sandy Gumulya entered both 25Ks at Balikpapan and Tanjung Selor and it made sense since she would have wasted her time and energy to play Tarakan 10K in between. But as we recall, Gumulya had knee injury at Hamilton, New Zealand 10K last March and she had no choice but to withdraw. So, I suggested for next year to have Balikpapan 25K, Tanjung Selor 25K and Tarakan 10K or another idea to begin with Tarakan 10K, Tanjung Selor 25K and eventually Balikpapan 25K.

Another critic towards Pelti is about wild card main draw. In this issue Pelti must be firm despite each local tourney committee’s slot to have 2 wild cards from their own players, while the other two are Pelti’s consent. I strongly disagreed with Pelti as Dian Anggraini got wild card since she is a local player from East Kalimantan. Pelti should have done their job in intervening such wild card allocation. Anggraini is hardly playing on the tour even on national level. It is fine that younger Gumulya got wild card as she has been playing for East Kalimantan for a few years. But tennis fans know for sure, Gumulya is a resident of Jakarta and she played for East Kalimantan only for National Games 2008. With this kind of attitude by each local tennis association, each province will never properly develop their local talents. After all, it is ruining the overall tennis development nation wide. So, for wild card allocation in the future should be done wiser. Merit system should be applied transparently. With this current selfish practice, potential players will lose their opportunity to grow.

Q1 results

(1)Tadeja Majeric (SLO) v BYE
Jawairiah Noordin (MAS) d. Lauren Joanna Lang (INA) 60 60
Akshitha Basavaraju (IND) d. (2)Sophia Mulsap (THA) 62 64
Priscilla Anggrenny Oky-Suconong (INA) d. Ajeng Aquinia (INA) 62 62
(3)Nungnadda Wannasuk (THA) d. Zheng Jun-Yi (CHN) 63 64
Li Wanrong (CHN) d. Pang Yang (CHN) 63 61
(4)Liu Chang (CHN) d. Laili Rahmawati Ulfa (INA) 63 61
(12)Sarah-Rebecca Sekulic (GER) d. Tian Ran (CHN) 61 62
Zhao Di (CHN) d. (5)Kanyapat Narattana (THA) 62 63
Yang Yi (CHN) d. (9)Kei Sekine (JPN) 62 62
(6)Nicha Lertpitaksinchai (THA) d. Asha Nanda Kumar (IND) 60 63
(10)Renee Binnie (AUS) d. Nadia Frederika (INA) 63 63
(7)Kaori Onishi (JPN) d. Ma Le (CHN) 62 62
(11)Trang Huynh Phuong Dai (VIE) d. Pairin Panjasilpa (THA) 62 60
(8)Lu Jia Xiang (CHN) d. Chen Yen-Ling (TPE) 64 57 61
(13)Satjaporn Mahajaroenkul(THA) d. Dwi Aryana (INA) 60 61

Q2/Final Qualifying Results

(1)Tadeja Majeric (SLO) d. Jawairiah Noordin (MAS) 62 63
Priscilla Anggrenny Oky-Suconong (INA) d. Akshitha Basavaraju (IND) 75 76(5)
(3)Nungnadda Wannasuk (THA) d. Li Wanrong (CHN) 75 62
(4)Liu Chang (CHN) d. (12)Sarah-Rebecca Sekulic (GER) 60 46 63
Yang Yi (CHN) d. Zhao Di (CHN) 63 62
(6)Nicha Lertpitaksinchai (THA) d. (10)Renee Binnie (AUS) 61 62
(7)Kaori Onishi (JPN) d. (11)Trang Huynh Phuong Dai (VIE) 63 61
(13)Satjaporn Mahajaroenkul(THA) d. (8)Lu Jia Xiang (CHN) 76(1) 67(4) 75

Singles Main Draw

(1) Emily Webley-Smith (GBR) v Petra Pajalic (SLO)
Ayu-Fani Damayanti (INA) v (wc)Dian Anggraini (INA)
(Q)Nicha Lertpitaksinchai (THA) v (wc)Grace Sari Ysidora (INA)
(7)Seiko Okamoto (JPN) v (Q)Satjaporn Mahajaroenkul(THA)

(3)Zhang Ling (HKG) v (wc)Beatrice Gumulya (INA)
Reka-Luca Jani (HUN) v (Q)Liu Chang (CHN)
Jessy Rompies (INA) v (Q)Priscilla Anggrenny Oky-Suconong (INA)
(6/Q)Tadeja Majeric (SLO) v Dianne Hollands (NZL)

(5)Montinee Tangphong (THA) v Hao Jie (CHN)
Anna Fitzpatrick (GBR) v Lavinia Tananta (INA)
Yang Zi-Jun (HKG) v (Q)Kaori Onishi (JPN)
(4)Romana Tedjakusuma (INA) v Erika Sema (JPN)

(8)Nudnida Luangnam (THA) v (Q)Nungnadda Wannasuk (THA)
Ai Yamamoto (JPN) v He Chun-Yan (CHN)
Lu Jia-Jing (CHN) v (wc)Cynthia Melita (INA)
(2)Stefania Boffa (SUI) v (Q)Yang Yi (CHN)

Doubles Main Draw

(1)Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma (INA) v (wc)Dian Anggraini/Priscilla Anggreny Oky-Suconong (INA)
Renee Binnie/Dianne Hollands (AUS/NZL) v (Q)Lu Jia Xiang/Yang Yi (CHN)

(4)Seiko Okamoto/Erika Sema (JPN) v (wc) Cynthia Melita/Grace Sari Ysidora (INA)
Ayu Fani Damayanti/Lavinia Tananta (INA) v Sophia Mulsap/Ai Yamamoto (THA/JPN)

Tadeja Majeric/Petra Pajalic (SLO) v Montinee Tangphong/Nungnadda Wannasuk (THA)
(3)Emily Webley-Smith/Zhang Ling (GBR/HKG) v Hao Jie/Zheng Jun-Yi (CHN)

(Q)Lu Jia-Jing/Kei Sekine (CHN/JPN) v (wc)Jawairiah Noordin/Laili Rahmawati Ulfa (INA)
(2)Stefania Boffa/Anna Fitzpatrick (SUI/GBR) v Beatrice Gumulya/Jessy Rompies (INA)

Photos of Emily Webley-Smith by lta.org.uk; Zhang Ling by beijingopen08.cn; Stefania Boffa by wilson.ch; Tadeja Majeric by ztk.si; Montinee Tangphong by ericmcerlain

Bandung's domination at OkeShop Tennis Open

Wild card and fifth seed Angelique Widjaja demonstrated a smart game over the week and continued on Sunday (April 26, 2009) to end third seed Beatrice Gumulya’s run and won “OkeShop Tennis Open”, the first leg of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series". Returning to local scene after four months, once ranked as high as WTA 55, Bandung resident Widjaja outclassed 19 years old Gumulya 6-2, 6-4. “It is a surprise as I did not prepare well enough especially I have been weak physically,” Widjaja admitted. She added,”If I had to go through three sets, I would have lost for sure.”

In semi-finals, Widjaja had an easy outing as she was too much for fourth seed Mia Sacca. Former Junior Wimbledon winner in 2001 crushed her opponent 6-0, 3-0 retired. Sacca has been having health problem in the last two years and her decision to give-up came as no surprise. Meanwhile Gumulya reached her back to back final after “Jakarta Governor Cup” as she edged past her club mate, erratic second seed Jessy Rompies 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. In all Gumulya’s performances at national pro circuit, she is famous as runner-up specialist.

In men’s singles, the final was a perfect one as top seed Elbert Sie played against birthday boy and second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati. Despite of mediocre appearance, also Bandung resident Sie still managed to seal a triumph and ruined Trijati’s birthday with 6-4, 6-3 victory. In semi-finals, Sie cruised past fourth seed Prima Simpatiaji 6-3, 6-1. In the second set when Sie was up 3-0, the match was interrupted as his opponent Simpatiaji asked for a medical time out as he felt pain on his knee. As for Trijati, he ousted veteran and third seed Andrian Raturandang 5-2, 6-3 in the other match of last four round.

In women’s doubles, third seed pair Bella Destriana/Cynthia Melita shocked Big Mama’s camp as they fought hard to beat top seed duo Beatrice Gumulya/Jessy Rompies 6-4, 1-6, 10-8 in the final. Immediately upon such defeat, the everlasting coach at Big Mama camp, Suzanna Anggarkusuma, reprimanded her girls in front of the public as her confidant, Marieke Gunawan and camp manager, Paquita Widjaja looked on.

In the meantime, an aroma of triumphant had been shown by "tomboy" duo Destriana/Melita as they made an upset over second seed pair Lavinia Tananta/Angelique Widjaja 5-7, 6-3, 10-7 in semi-finals. While duo Gumulya/Rompies breezed past Laili Rahmawati Ulfa/Eny Sulistyowati 6-3, 6-2 in the other semi-finals.

In men’s doubles, the title was claimed by top seed duet Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati after they came from behind to defeat second seed pair Aditya Hari Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto 6-7, 6-4, 10-8. In the last four round, duo Simpatiaji/Trijati edged past third seed pair Agung Bagus Dewantoro/Faisal Aidil 6-1, 6-7(4), 10-7, while Hari Sasongko/Setyawanto cruised past veteran duo Ariawan Poerboadinoto/Edy Kusdaryanto 6-3, 6-2.

Photos of Destriana/Melita, Angelique Widjaja, Angelique Widjaja & Elbert Sie are courtesy of Sportama

Widjaja sees-off top seed Tananta

Wild card and fifith seed Angelique Widjaja cruised into semifinals of "OkeShop Open" after she ousted top seed Lavinia Tananta in quarterfinals yesterday(April 24, 2009). An initiator of this "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series", Widjaja trailed 0-2 in the early opening set, then she broke Tananta's serve in fourth and sixth games to lead 4-2. Last year winner of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters" Tananta managed to earn one game before Widjaja closed it out 6-3.

In the second set, former numero uno in Indonesia, Widjaja kept on rolling and had an early lead 2-0. Then she was able to break Tananta's serve again to have 4-1 lead. Eventually Widjaja sealed 6-2 victory in the second set. In semi-finals, Widjaja will face fourth seed Mia Sacca who booted out sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa 6-2, 6-2.

Meanwhile third seed Beatrice Gumulya had a relatively comfortable win over seventh seed Cynthia Melita 6-2, 6-3. Gumulya will clash with second seed Jessy Rompies in the last four round. In the last eight round, Rompies was simply in control over her opponent, qualifier Vita Taher. Hard hitter Rompies crushed Taher 6-1, 6-0.

In men's singles, top seed Elbert Sie breezed past seventh seed Andery Setyawanto 6-0,6-0 and booked his place in semi-finals against fourth seed Prima Simpatiji. Simpatiaji defeated sixth seed Sebastian Dacosta 6-4, 6-4. Meanwhile second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati also advanced into the last four round after he outclassed 12th seed Hendri Susilo Pramono 6-2, 6-2.

Photos are courtesy of Sportama

Younger Syarifah gave a jittery test to experienced Rahmawati Ulfa

From "OkeShop Tennis Open" which is part of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series", wild card Nadya Syarifah almost made an upset of the day in the second round. 15 years old Syarifah hails from rice town of Cianjur, West Java applied her speed and power game against 17 years old sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa from Wonogiri, Central Java. In the opening set, both players fought hard to earn points but Syarifah eventually closed it out 6-4. In the second set, Rahmawati Ulfa played better with her variety of strokes to win 6-3 and forced into the third set. In the final set, Syarifah played well and led 4-3, 6-5 but in critical moments her opponent showed better mental toughness. Finally, experience paid-off and Rahmawati Ulfa barely made it 7-6(5).

In the quarterfinals, Rahmawati Ulfa will challenge her senior, Mia Sacca, as they are trained at the same tennis camp owned by former queen Yayuk Basuki. Fourth seed Sacca dispatched Vanesa Gunawan 6-3, 6-1. Meanwhile top seed Lavinia Tananta still had no hard labor as she crushed Dwi Aryana from Surabaya 6-0, 6-0. Tananta will face former number one Angelique Widjaja in the last eight round. Wild card and fifth seed Widjaja still did not play her best but managed to defeat Maya Rosa 6-2, 6-3. Second seed Jessy Rompies resumed her real game as she ousted Bella Destriana with comfortable 6-2, 6-2 victory. In quarterfinals, Rompies will meet qualifier Vita Taher of Bekasi, West Java. Small but already 16 years old Taher who is coached by her own father, tasted her best performance in national pro circuit as she edged past qualifier Evita Febrihabsari of Semarang 7-5, 6-3.

Younger sister of Sandy Gumulya, third seed Beatrice Gumulya also posted a relatively easy victory over Rani Fitria Wardhani of Yogyakarta 6-2, 6-2. In the last eight round, Gumulya will face challenge from seventh seed Cynthia Melita. Melita had an easy outing as she crushed Dina Karina 6-0, 6-1.

From yesterday's second round matches, after getting opening round bye top seed Elbert Sie of Bandung, West Java cruised past Ivan Regan Krijanto 6-1, 6-3. Recent member of Davis Cup team, second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati also advanced into round 16 after he saw-off Setyo Dwi Adrianto of Semarang, Central Java 6-2, 6-3. An easy stint also claimed by fourth seed Prima Simpatiaji as he breezed past Aditya Ichsandi Haris 6-2, 6-2. Meanwhile veteran but third seed Andrian Raturandang defeated Jeremy Ryan Alexander 6-4, 6-3, then fifth seed Balinese Nesa Arta won over East Kalimantan player, Gusti Jayakusuma 6-2, 6-2.

In the opening round of women's doubles, second seed pair Lavinia Tananta/Angelique Widjaja survived the scare as they barely won over Nadia Frederika/Rani Fitria Wardhani 6-2, 3-6, 10-4.

Photos of Nadya Syarifah by Adji Soedibjo, Laili Rahmawati Ulfa by kabarindonesia.com, Beatrice Gumulya by Iwan Tri Wahyudi/IndoPos, Elbert Sie by Dwi Ari Setiyadi

Widjaja returns with easy victory

Former numero uno of Indonesia, Angelique "Angie" Widjaja returned to the scene where she used to be a star. At "OkeShop Tennis Open" tournament which began yesterday (April 21, 2009), Angie, as wild card but at the same time fifth seed here earned her opening round victory over another wild card, 14 years old Aldila Sutjiadi 6-2, 6-2. Former world's top 60 player, Angie lost her momentum in the early part of second set as she trailed 0-2 and her younger opponent forced her to face deuces. Then Angie broke Sutjiadi's serve and claimed her lead 3-2 then all the way to secure her win.

This tourney is the first leg of five and it is part of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series". Each leg provides total prize money of 150 million rupiahs and it will be held until April 26, 2009 at Rasuna Tennis Complex, Jakarta.

For the first time, "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series" is not having umpire and line officials for the match. For Angie, she recalled her junior years when she used to play without supervision of an umpire. Umpire and line officials will be present from quarterfinals.

In the next round, Angie will face "come back" Maya Rosa who disposed Prima Lestari 6-2 6-3. Rosa was known as a talented player and she is in the same age group with Sandy Gumulya and Septi Mende. Also advancing into second round were wild card Nadya Syarifah who ousted Dwi Rahayu Pitri 6-2, 6-2. Meanwhile Bella Destriana from South Sumatera crushed a girl from Solo in Central Java, Nathania Ratih 6-0, 6-0. Fourth seed Mia Sacca also cruised into the next round together with sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa. Sacca booted out Dina Azwar 6-1, 6-2, while Ulfa saw-off Lauren Lang 6-1, 6-1. Other winners were Rani Fitria Wardhani of Yogyakarta who edged past Voni Darlina 6-3, 7-6(7), then Vanesa Gunawan cruised past Asifa Ramadhani 6-2, 6-1 and Evita Febrihapsari eased past Feronika Katarina 6-1, 6-0. Shock of the day was made by Vita Taher who fought hard to beat eighth seed Dewi Fortuna 6-1, 1-6, 6-4.

Today the tourney continued with the remaining first round matches. In the battle of Semarang residents, top seed Lavinia Tananta crushed Cynthia Claire Mulyadi 6-0, 6-0. While second seed Jessy Rompies faced a scare but she managed to win over wild card Nadia Frederika 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 as her head coach Suzanna Anggarkusuma and her parents looked on. Third seed Beatrice Gumulya did not have to work hard as she breezed past Kely Restiani Putri 6-0, 6-2. Just arrived from Australia, seventh seed Cynthia Melita had an easy otuing as she crushed Cynthia Wibawa 6-1, 6-0. Last but not least, Dina Karina and Tria Rizki Amalia had to complete their battle today due to rain delay yesterday. In the end, Karina had better mental toughness as she prevailed to beat Amalia 6-2, 1-6, 6-4.

In men's category, Ivan Regan Krijanto edged past Louis Theodor 6-2 6-2. Meanwhile,
Setyo Dwi Adrianto, a player from Semarang ousted Prisca Titan 6-1 6-1. Then former numero uno of Indonesia, Febi Widhiyanto had a slight difficulty in the second set but he overcame such problem and won over Limpad Nurahmad 6-2 7-6(4).

Photo of Angelique Widjaja is courtsy of Iwan Tri Wahyudi/IndoPos

Japanese girls triumph over Aussie girls

Top seed Japan claimed their unbeaten record as the winner of Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event for Fed Cup in Shepparton, Victoria today (April 20, 2009). In today's final, Japan outclassed Australia 2-1. In the first rubber, Akiko Omae did not need to fight much as she won 6-1, 1-0 ret over Molly Polak. Polak had groin injury which forced her to retire. In the second rubber, Japanese anchor who comes from an affluent family, Emi Mutaguchi crushed Viktorija Rajicic 6-1, 6-0 to seal victory for her national team. So, Torrance, California born Mutaguchi is indeed unbeatable player together with her compatriot, Akiko Omae during this event. In the last rubber, Aussie duo Rajicic and Alexandra Nancarrow gunned down Mutaguchi and Risa Ozaki 7-6(6), 6-2.

In the battle for third and fourth place, second seed China as expected, they crushed third seed Indonesia 3-0. Without their numero uno Grace Sari Ysidora who is sidelined with waist injury, Indonesia bowed out easily to the Great Wall squad. In the first rubber, Rekyan Woro who is lack of overseas exposure, she was beaten by Tang Hao-Chen 3-6, 1-6. Then it was Zheng Sai Sai who edged past Cynthia Melita 6-4, 6-0 in the second rubber. China completed their clean sweep in the final rubber when Zheng and Yang Zi booted out Melita and Woro 6-0, 6-2. As this event is over, the top four finishers here - Japan, Australia, China and Indonesia - are advancing to Junior Fed Cup World Group event in Mexico later this year.

Other results - Junior Fed Cup

Tie for fifth and sixth place

(4) Uzbekistan d. Thailand 3-0
Nigina Abduraimova d. Budsarin Raktaengam 6-1, 6-3
Sabina Sharipova d. Sankaew Napatsakorn 6-1, 1-0 ret
Sabina Sharipova/Nigina Abduraimova d. Budsarin Raktaengam/Sankaew Napatsakorn walk over

Tie for seventh and eighth place

(8) South Korea d. Philippines 3-0
Choi Ji Hee d. Ma Regina Santiago 6-3, 6-4
Yea Hyojung d. Anna Clarice Patrimonio 6-0, 6-3
Jang Su-Jeong/Choi Ji Hee d. Ma Regina Santiago/Anna Clarice Patrimonio 6-1, 6-2

Tie for ninth and tenth place

Chinese Taipei d. (6) New Zealand 2-1
Emily Fanning d. Tsai Hsin-Ting 6-0, 6-0
Lee Hua-Chen d. Briar Preston 6-2, ret
Lee Hua-Chen/Wu Yu-Hui d. Emily Fanning/Briar Preston walk over

Tie for eleventh and twelveth place

Kazakhstan d. Hong Kong 3-0
Zalina Khairudinova d. Jacqueline Lucy Tang 6-3, 6-0
Kamila Kerimbayeva d. Lok Sze Leung 7-6(0), 6-3
Kamila Kerimbayeva/Zalina Khairudinova d. Jacqueline Lucy Tang/Lok Sze Leung 4-6, 6-2, 6-1

Tie for thirteenth and fourteenth place

(5) India d. Singapore 3-0
Ratnika Batra d. Nicole Yon Yi Rosenberger 6-3, 6-1
Shweta Rana d. Julienne Si Ying Keong 7-6(6), 6-2
Shweta Rana/Rishika Sunkara d. Nicole Yon Yi Rosenberger/Julienne Si Ying Keong 6-1, 6-0

Tie for fifteenth and sixteenth place

Malaysia d. Sri Lanka 3-0
Theiviya Selvarajoo d. Kemalie Herath 6-3, 6-0
Lyn Yee-Choo d. Nilushi Fernando 6-1, 6-2
Lyn Yee-Choo/Theiviya Selvarajoo d. Nilushi Fernando/Sherine Wijesingha 6-4, 6-1

Photos of Japanese team, Australian team, Japanese team celebrate, Emi Mutaguchi & Viktorija Rajicic - are courtesy of tennisaustralia.com

Australian girls stop Indonesian girls in semi-finals

Amazing run by seventh seed Australian girls, as they crushed third seed Indonesian girls 3-0 in the semi-finals of Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event for the Junior Davis & Fed Cup in Shepparton, Victoria today (April 19, 2009). In the first singles rubber, Molly Polak came out strong and edged past Cynthia Melita 7-5, 6-4. In the second singles rubber, Grace Sari Ysidora and Viktorija Rajicic played in a do or die battle. Ysidora took the opening set 6-4 but then she bowed out to Rajicic 3-6, 2-6 eventually. Based on the information from Ysidora's management, Ysidora had felt pain around her waist 2 days ago and it affected her game against Thailand yesterday. Today, she played with such problem and in the second set, she asked for medical time out but then she kept on playing. Meanwhile Melita also had swollen toes since yesterday. Bad luck for Indonesian team. In the last rubber, Melita and Rekyan Woro lost easily to Polak and Alexandra Nancarrow 2-6, 0-6. A big credit to Aussie girls as they have prepared well as hosting nation by their own choice of court on grass.

Nevertheless, it was an optimum achievement by Indonesian girls after many years when Indonesia Tennis Association did not prepare them well. Ysidora had on her own tour schedule in Asia as preparation as way to move her rank up to currently at ITF 48 as well as to lift her nation's position to be third seed here. While Melita had her own training including a stint in Sarawak Grade 1. Then Woro had no choice but to be trained alone at Big Mama's camp for a week prior to this event. Sure, Indonesian girls had no adequate practice on grass at all. Just on practice day, a day before the event began. What a shame again for Indonesia Tennis Association which did not even bother to provide specific tennis shoes for grass court. As result, pain or injury occured. This attitude by Big Mama's regime has been lingering for years. Indonesia Tennis Association expected Ysidora and her team mates to reach semi-finals just for the sake of saving Big Mama's scary face. It was all her lip service as she promised to finance the players for a couple of tourneys. In the end, Big Mama said that Indonesia Tennis Association had no fund. People don't change!

Australia will face top seed Japan in the final tomorrow. Japan booted out second seed China 3-0. In the second singles, Risa Ozaki defeated Tang Hao-Chen 6-3, 6-4. Then Akiko Omae had to utilize her "bushido" spirit to beat China's numero uno Zheng Sai Sai 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. Finally, duo Emi Mutaguchi and Risa Ozaki edged past Yang Zi and Tang Hao-Chen 6-3, 6-2.

Interesting facts from this event, some captains for participating teams are former active players in ATP and WTA tour. Australian boys team is captained by former world number one Patrick Rafter, while the Aussie girls are lucky to have Alicia Molik as their captain. Then South Korean girls are honored to have Cho Yoon-Jeong as the captain. Also Kiwi boys are accompanied by Alistair Hunt who had career high at ATP 184. And last but not least, Uzbekistan Junior Fed Cup team is captained by Oleg Ogorodov who was once reached ATP 101.

Photos of Australian team, Molly Polak & match between Rajicic and Ysidora - courtesy of tennisaustralia.com

Indonesian girls reach semi-finals and grab a ticket to Junior Fed Cup World Group

After a long drought, Indonesian girls secured their place in the semi-finals of Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event for the Junior Davis & Fed Cup in Shepparton, Victoria today (April 18, 2009). As third seed, Indonesian Junior Fed Cup team claimed 2-1 victory over Thailand in quarterfinals. This time Indonesian 2nd singles Cynthia Melita had better performance as she won 6-3, 6-4 over Budsarin Raktaengam. While Indonesian anchor Grace Sari Ysidora had to work extra harder as she was trailed in the opening set but managed to defeat Sankaew Napatsakorn 6-7(2), 7-5, 6-2. In the final rubber, duo Melita and Rekyan Woro again failed to make an absolute victory as they were beaten by Napatsakorn/Raktaengam 1-6, 2-6. In the semi-finals, Ysidora and her team mates will have tough battle against seventh seed Australia.

Other results - Junior Fed Cup

Other Quarterfinals:

(7) Australia d. (8) South Korea 2-1
Yea Hyojung d. Molly Polak 6-4, 7-6(5)
Viktorija Rajicic d. Jang Su-Jeong 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Viktorija Rajicic/Alexandra Nancarrow d. Choi Ji Hee/Jang Su-Jeong 6-4, 5-7, 6-1

(1) Japan d. Philippines 3-0
Akiko Omae d. Ma Regina Santiago 6-3, 3-0 ret
Emi Mutaguchi d. Anna Clarice Patrimonio 6-3, 7-6(3)
Risa Ozaki/Akiko Omae d. Anna Clarice Patrimonio/Marinel Rudas 6-0, 6-0

(2) China d. (4) Uzbekistan 2-1
Tang Hao-Chen d. Nigina Abduraimova 1-6, 6-2, 6-4
Zheng Sai Sai d. Sabina Sharipova 7-5, 6-4
Tang Hao-Chen/Zheng Sai Sai d. Alisa Ogorodova/Nigina Abduraimova 6-0, 6-7(4) 6-2

All the four semi-finalists, (1) Japan, (2) China, (3) Indonesia and (7) Australia are eligible to play in World Group.

Other results - Consolation

(6) New Zealand d. (5) India
Rishika Sunkara d. Emily Fanning 7-6(4), 5-7(1), 6-3
Briar Preston d. Shweta Rana 6-3, 6-0
Briar Preston/Emily Fanning d. Rishika Sunkara/Shweta Rana 6-2, 6-1

Kazakhstan d. Malaysia 3-0
Yelena Nemchen d. Theiviya Selvarajoo 6-3, 6-1
Zalina Khairudinova d. unknown due to typing error by source: tennis australia 6-1, 6-2
Zalina Khairudinova/Kamila Kerimbayeva d. Adelle Boey/Theiviya Selvarajoo 6-2, 6-0

Chinese Taipei d. Singapore 3-0
Tsai Hsin-Ting d. Clare Fong 6-3, 6-3
Lee Hua-Chen d. Julienne Si Ying Keong 6-0, 6-0
Tsai Hsin-Ting/Wu Yu-Hui d. Julienne Si Ying Keong/Nicole Yon Yi Rosenberger 6-0, 6-2

Photo of Viktorija Rajicic & Alexandra Nancarrow is courtesy of tennisaustralia.com

Indonesian girls into quarterfinals

Indonesian Junior Fed Cup team continued their run into quarterfinals at Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event for the Junior Davis & Fed Cup in Shepparton, Victoria today. As third seed, Indonesian Junior Fed Cup team sealed 2-1 victory over fifth seed India in Group B. Once again, Indonesian 2nd singles Cynthia Melita had to fight back from a set deficit but this Salatiga resident bounced back to beat Rishika Sunkara 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. Indonesian anchor Grace Sari Ysidora claimed her country team's victory after she eased past Shweta Rana 6-1, 6-2. In the final rubber, duo Melita and Rekyan Woro failed to make a clean sweep as they lost to Ratnika Batra/Shweta Rana 6-4, 4-6, 3-6.

Also in Group B, Philippines booted out Sri Lanka 3-0. In the 2nd singles, Ma Regina Santiago crushed Kemalie Herath 6-1, 6-1, then Anna Clarice Patromonio edged past Nilushi Fernando 6-3, 6-1 and finally duo Patrimonio/Santiago outclassed Fernando/Herath 6-0, 6-1. Therefore Group B Round Robin Standings: 1. Indonesia 2. Philippines 3. India 4. Sri Lanka

In quarterfinals, Indonesia will clash with runner-up of Group C, Thailand.

Other results - Junior Fed Cup

Group A
(1) Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, (8) South Korea

(1) Japan d. (8) South Korea 3-0
Akiko Omae d. Choi Ji Hee 6-0, 6-0
Emi Mutaguchi d. Jang Su Jeong 7-5, 6-4
Akiko Omae/Risa Ozaki d. Choi Ji Hee/Yea Hyojung 6-3, 6-0

Hong Kong d Malaysia 3-0
Lok Sze Leung d. Theiviya Selvarajoo 7-5, 6-1
Katherine Cheng-Ip d. Lyn Yee-Choo 6-4, 2-6, 6-1
Katherine Cheng-Ip/Jacqueline Lucy Tang d. Adelle Boey/Theiviya Selvarajoo 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-4

Group A Round Robin Standings: 1. Japan 2. South Korea 3. Hong Kong 4. Malaysia


Group C
(4) Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, (6) New Zealand

(4) Uzbekistan d. (6) New Zealand 3-0
Nigina Abduraimova d. Leela Beattie 7-6(7), 7-6(2)
Alisa Ogorodova d. Briar Preston 6-4, 7-6(7)
Sabina Sharipova/Nigina Abduraimova d. Emily Fanning/Briar Preston 6-4, 6-3

Thailand d. Chinese Taipei 3-0
Budsarin Raktaengam d. Wu Yu-Hui 6-0, 4-6, 6-2
Sankaew Napatsakorn d. Lee Hua-Chen 6-4, 6-4
Sankaew Napatsakorn/Budsarin Raktaengam d. Lee Hua-Chen/Wu Yu-Hui 6-1, 6-2

Group C Round Robin Standings: 1. Uzbekistan 2. Thailand 3. Chinese Taipei 4. New Zealand


Group D
(2) China, Singapore, Kazakhstan, (7) Australia

(7) Australia d. (2) China d. Kazakhstan 2-1
Tang Hao-Chen d. Molly Polak 6-0, 6-3
Viktorija Rajicic d. Zheng Sai Sai 7-5, 6-4
Viktorija Rajicic/Alexandra Nancarrow d. Yang Zi/Zheng Sai Sai 6-3, 6-3

Kazakhstan d. Singapore 3-0
Yelena Nemchen d. Nicole Yon Yi Rosenberger 6-0, 6-2
Kamila Kerimbayeva d. Clare Fong 6-1, 6-1
Kamila Kerimbayeva/Zalina Khairudinova d. Clare Fong/Julienne Si Ying Keong 6-2, 7-5

Group D Round Robin Standings: 1. Australia 2. China 3. Kazakhstan 4. Singapore

Other Quarterfinals: (1) Japan vs Philippines, (2) China vs (4) Uzbekistan, (7) Australia vs (8) South Korea


Other results - Junior Davis Cup

Group A
(1) South Korea, New Zealand, (8) China

New Zealand d. (8) China 3-0
Jamie Yates d. Wang Lu-Yao 6-4, 7-6(2)
Jaden Grinter d. Gao Xin 6-4, 5-7, 6-2
Chester Espie/Jamie Yates d. Wang Lu-Yao/Tu Qin 5-7, 6-4, 6-2

Group A Round Robin Standings: 1. South Korea 2. New Zealand 3. China


Group B
(3) Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, (6) Thailand

(3) Uzbekistan d. (6) Thailand
Abduvoris Saitmukhamedov d. Aviruth Phapui 6-2, 7-5
Sergey Shipilov d. Warit Sombutnark 6-0, 6-3
Nuttanon Kadchapanan/Aviruth Phapui d. Jakhongir Jalolov/Sergey Shipilov 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-1

Malaysia d. Indonesia 2-1
Wisnu Adi Nugroho d. Mohd Assri Merzuki 6-1, 6-2
Ariez Eelyas Deen Heesham d. Jason Joey Alexander 6-0, 6-3
Ariez Eelyas Deen Heesham/Mohd Assri Merzuki d. Wisnu Adi Nugroho/Jason Joey Alexander 6-2, 6-4

Group B Round Robin Standings: 1. Uzbekistan 2. Thailand 3. Malaysia 4. Indonesia


Group C
(4) Japan, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan, (5) Australia

(5) Australia d. (4) Japan 2-1
Shoki Hachiya d. Joey Swaysland 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-5
Luke Saville d. Motoaki Kita 7-5, 7-6(4)
Luke Savile/Shoki Hachiya d. Shoki Hachiya/Motoaki Kita 6-3, 6-1

Chinese Taipei d. Pakistan 3-0
Lai Kai Wen d. Khurram Faizan 6-1, 6-3
Chuang Ting-Yu d. Ashiq Heera 7-6(9), 2-6, 6-3
Chang Feng-Shuo/Lai Kai-Wen d. Ashiq Heera/Muhammad Abid 6-2, 6-2

Group C Round Robin Standings: 1. Australia 2. Japan 3. Chinese Taipei 4. Pakistan


Group D
(2) India, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, (7) Philippines

(2) India d. (7) Philippines
Saurabn Singh d. Leander Lazaro 7-6(7), 6-4
Jeson Patrombon d. Mohit Mayur Jayaprakash 6-2, 6-1
Saurabn Singh/Mohit Mayur Jayaprakash d. Jeson Patrombon/Alberto Villamor 6-3, 6-3

Hong Kong d. Kazakhstan 2-1

Long Fung-Yau d. Dinmukhammed Yessenkulov 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3
Denis Yevseyev d. Chak Ting-Justin To 6-1, 6-3
Long Fu-Yau/Chak Ting-Justin To d. Denis Yevseyev/Dinmukhammed Yessenkulov 4-6, 6-2, 6-1

Group D Round Robin Standings: 1. India 2. Hong Kong 3. Philippines 4. Kazakhstan

Quarterfinals: (1) South Korea vs (6) Thailand, (2) India vs New Zealand, (3) Uzbekistan vs (4) Japan, (5) Australia vs Hong Kong

Photos of Viktorija Rajicic & Zheng Sai Sai are courtesy of tennisaustralia.com

Rungkat stumbles in second round, Tjuatjadarma crashes out immediately

Indonesian numero uno Christopher Rungkat came to "Uzbekistan F1 Futures" in Andijan as wild card recipient after Big Mama requested to the tourney committee while she was attending a conference in the land of Oleg Ogorodov. Only ranked at ATP 1426 and playing his first Futures of the season, Rungkat passed the first test as he disposed Russian Mikhail Fufygin (ATP 774) 6-3, 6-3 in the opening round. Rungkat, 19 years old, could not go further after he was beaten by seventh seed Pirmin Haenle of Germany 3-6, 6-7(3). In doubles, Rungkat partnered with Nikoloz Basilashvili from Georgia and they bowed out to second seed pair, Victor Kozin/Vaja Uzakov (Russia/Uzbekistan) 5-7, 4-6.

Meanwhile, 16 years old Michael Tjuatjadarma (ITF 473) crashed out instantly in the opening round of "Lee Duk Hee Cup Korea International Junior Championships 2009" in Seoul, South Korea this week. A fifth seed here at this ITF Grade 3 tourney, Tjuatjadarma lost to local qualifier Kim Ki-Hoon 1-6, 2-6 in the first round. Now, Tjuatjadarma can only rely on his doubles' performance with his partner, Mikita Karpovich from Belarus. Duo Karpovich and Tjuatjadarma is placed as second seed and they were successful to reach semi-finals. In the first round, Karpovich/Tjuatjadarma won over local pair, An Byeong-Mo/Jeong Ilyoung 6-3, 6-4. Then in quarterfinals, duo Belarus and Indonesia was forced into three sets before they defeated Japanese duet, Kazuma Kawachi/Kaichi Uchida 0-6, 7-5, 10-8. In the last four round, Karpovich/Tjuatjadarma will clash with fourth seed pair from South Korea, Kwon Yong-Jae/Lee Dae-Hee.

Last week at "Jeju International Junior Championships 2009" in Jeju, South Korea, as seventh seed Tjuatjadarma received first round bye and he bowed out to local player, Nam Ji-Sung 3-6, 4-6 in the second round (round 32). At this ITF Grade 4 tourney, as top seed pair in doubles, Tjuatjadarma partnered with Japanese Genki Hosoya and they got opening round bye. In the second round, they were ousted by local duo, Jeong Suk-Young/Jeong Yeon-Woo 0-6, 5-7.

Photo of Christopher Rungkat by Adji Soedibjo

Indonesian girls are on track to secure quarterfinals' berth

From Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event for the Junior Davis & Fed Cup in Shepparton, Victoria today, Indonesian Junior Fed Cup team posted another 3-0 victory over Philippines in Group B. As third seed, Indonesian 2nd singles Cynthia Melita survived the scare of Ma Regina Santiago but she came back to secure 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory. Indonesian anchor who is currently ranked at ITF 48, Grace Sari Ysidora breezed past Anna Clarice-Patrimonio 6-0, 6-2. In the final rubber, duo Melita and Rekyan Woro eventually made it perfect as they crushed Patrimonio/Santiago 6-1, 6-0.

Meanwhile in the battle of neighbors, fifth seed India claimed easy victory over Sri Lanka 3-0. Second singles Rishika Sunkara secured her country early lead after she eased past Kemalie Herath 6-1, 6-1, then Shweta Rana crushed Nilushi Fernando 6-0, 6-0. Duo Sunkara and Ratnika Batra completed a clean sweep by defeating Herath and Sherine Wijesingha 6-2, 6-1. Today India will challenge Indonesia, while Pinoy girls will clash with Sri Lanka.

Other results - Junior Fed Cup

Group A
(1) Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, (8) South Korea

(1) Japan d. Malaysia 3-0
Akiko Omae d. Lyn Yee Choo 6-0, 6-0
Emi Mutaguchi d. Adelle Boey 6-0, 6-0
Akiko Omae/Emi Mutaguchi d. Lyn Yee Choo/Theiviya Selvarajoo 6-0, 6-2

(8) South Korea d. Hong Kong 3-0
Choi Ji Hee d. Lok Sze Leung 6-2, 6-1
Jang Su-Jeong d. Katherine Cheng-Ip 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
Jang Su-Jeong/Choi Ji-Hee d. Lok Sze Leung/Jacqueline Lucy Tang 6-1, 6-0


Group C
(4) Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, (6) New Zealand

(4) Uzbekistan d. Thailand 3-0
Nigina Abduraimova d. Budsarin Raktaengam 6-3, 1-6, 6-2
Sabina Sharipova d Kaewma Jaruwadee 6-2, 6-1
Alisa Ogorodova/Nigina Abduraimova d. Kaewma Jaruwadee/Budsarin Raktaengam 6-7(5), 0-1 ret

Chinese Taipei d. (6) New Zealand 2-1
Leela Beattie d. Wu Yu-Hui 6-1, 6-0
Lee Hua-Chen d. Briar Preston 5-7, 6-1, 6-2
Lee Hua-Chen/Wu Yu-Hui d. Leela Beattie/Emily Fanning 6-2, 7-6(2)


Group D
(2) China, Singapore, Kazakhstan, (7) Australia

(2) China d. Kazakhstan 3-0
Tang Hao-Chen d. Zalina Khairudinova 6-1, 6-0
Zheng Sai Sai d. Kamila Kerimbayeva 6-3, 6-0
Yang Zi/Zheng Sai Sai d. Zalina Khairudinova/Yelena Nemchen 6-3, 6-0

(7) Australia d. Singapore 3-0

Alexandra Nancarrow d. Clare Fong 7-5, 7-6(2)
Viktorija Rajicic d. Julienne Si Ying Keong 6-0, 6-1
Alexandra Nancarrow/Molly Polak d. Clare Fong/Julienne Si Ying Keong 6-1, 6-3


Other results - Junior Davis Cup

Group A
(1) South Korea, New Zealand, (8) China

(1) South Korea d. (8) China 2-1
Gao Xin d. Chung Hong 6-3, 7-5
Jeong Suk Young d. Tu Qin 6-2, 6-1
Chung Hong/Jang Woo Hyeok d. Gao Xin/Tu Qin 6-3, 6-4

Group B
(3) Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, (6) Thailand

(3) Uzbekistan d. Indonesia 3-0
Jakhongir Jalolov d. Rizki Bagus Saputra 6-1, 6-2
Sergey Shipilov d. Jason Joey Alexander 6-2, 6-2
Jakhongir Jalolov/Sergey Shipilov d. Jason Joey Alexander/Wisnu Adi Nugroho 6-3, 7-6(5)

(6) Thailand d. Malaysia 3-0
Aviruth Phapui d. Mohamed Nazim Khan 6-4, 6-2
Nuttanon Kadchapanan d. Ariez Eelyas Deen Heesham 6-4, 6-1
Aviruth Phapui/Warit Sombutnark d. Mohamed Nazim Khan/Mohd Assri Merzuki 6-2, 7-5

Group C
(4) Japan, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan, (5) Australia

(4) Japan d. Chinese Taipei 3-0
Shoki Hachiya d. Chang Feng-Shuo 6-2, 6-1
Motoaki Kita d. Chuang Ting-Yu 6-4, 6-3
Soma Kuribayashi/Motoaki Kita d Chuang Ting-Yu/Lai Kai-Wen 2-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(4)


(5) Australia d. Pakistan 3-0
Todd Volmari d. Khurram Faizan 6-2, 6-2
Luke Saville d. Ashiq Heera 7-6(2), 6-0
Todd Volmari/Joey Swaysland d. Ashiq Heera/Muhammad Abid 6-3, 6-1


Group D
(2) India, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, (7) Philippines

(2) India d. Hong Kong 2-1
Saurabn Singh d. Kong Kwun Ho 4-6, 6-2 ret
Mohit Mayur Jayaprakash d. Chak-Ting Justin To 6-1, 6-3
Chak-Ting Justin To/Yau Lo Fung d. Saurabn Singh/Bisht Ronit 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-5

(7) Philippines d. Kazakhstan 3-0

Leander Lazaro d. Alexey Nesterov 6-0, 7-6(3)
Jeson Patrombon d. Denis Yevseyev 6-2, 6-2
Jeson Patrombon/Alberto Villamor d. Alexey Nesterov/Denis Yevseyev 6-2, 6-0

Photos of Molly Polak & Joey Swaysland are courtesy of tennisaustralia.com

Indonesian girls crush Sri Lanka in Junior Fed Cup qualifying

Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event for the Junior Davis & Fed Cup began its opening day in Shepparton, Victoria today. In Group B, third seed of Junior Fed Cup qualifying, Indonesia eased past Sri Lanka 3-0. Indonesian anchor Grace Sari Ysidora won easily over Nilushi Fernando 6-1, 6-0, followed by Cynthia Melita who crushed Kemalie Herath 6-0, 6-0 and eventually in doubles, Melita and Rekyan Woro defeated Kemalie Herath and Sherine Wijesingha 6-1, 6-2. A shock was made by Pinoy girls when Philippines gunned down fifth seed India 2-1. Number two player Ma Regina Santiago saw-off Ratnika Batra 6-2, 6-1 then numero uno Anna Clarice Patromonio edged past Shweta Rana 6-3, 6-3 and in the last rubber Indian duo Shweta Rana/Rishika Sunkara had to work hard before they defeated Patrimonio/Santiago 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Today, Philippines will impose challenge towards Indonesia, while neighbors' battle will be staged between India and Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile in Junior Davis Cup competition, results of Group B were sixth seed Thailand crushed Indonesia 3-0. First singles, Warit Sombutnark eased past Rizki Bagus Saputra 6-3, 6-1, then Nudchanon Kadchapanan edged past Wisnu Adi Nugroho 6-3, 6-4, and finally in doubles, duo Thai Aviruth Phapui and Sombutnark defeated Nugroho and Jason Joey Alexander 6-3, 6-3. In the meantime, third seed Uzbekistan also booted out Malaysia 3-0. First point earned by Uzbekistan when Jakhongir Jalolov cruised past Mohamed Nazim Khan 6-2, 6-1, then Sergey Shipilov crushed Ariez Elyaas Deen Heesham 6-0, 6-0 and eventually duo Jalolov and Shipilov barely defeated Deen Heesham and Mohd Assri Merzuki 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3.

Other results - Junior Fed Cup

Group A
(1) Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, (8) South Korea

(1) Japan d. Hong Kong 3-0
Akiko Omae d. Sze Lok Leung 6-0, 6-0
Emi Mutaguchi d. Katherine Cheng Ip 6-1, 6-1
Akiko Omae/Risa Ozaki (Ozaki replaced Yuki Ito) d. Sze Lok Leung/Jacqueline Lucy Tang 6-2, 6-1

(8) South Korea d. Malaysia 3-0
Yea Hyojung d. Theiviya Selvarajoo 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3
Jang Su-Jeong d Lyn Yee-Choo 7-6(1), 6-3
Yea Hyojung/Choi Ji-Hee d. Adelle Boey/Theiviya Selvarajoo 6-1, 6-1


Group C
(4) Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, (6) New Zealand

(4) Uzbekistan d. Chinese Taipei 2-1
Sabina Sharipova d. Wu Yu-Hui 7-5, 6-1
Lee Hua-Chen d. Alisa Ogorodova 6-3, 6-4
Alisa Ogorodova/Nigina Abduraimova d. Lee Hua-Chen/Wu Yu-Hui 3-6, 6-3, 6-2

(6) New Zealand leads 2-0 over Thailand
Leela Beattie d. Kaewma Jaruwadee 6-0, 6-7(7), 7-5
Briar Preston d. Sankaew Napatsakorn 7-6(2), 6-3
Leela Beattie/Emily Fanning (Fanning replaced Katherine Westbury) vs Jaruwadee/Napatsakorn


Group D
(2) China, Singapore, Kazakhstan, (7) Australia

(2) China d. Singapore 3-0
Tang Hao-Chen d. Clare Fong 6-3, 6-1
Zheng Sai Sai d. Julienne Si Ying Keong 6-0, 6-0
Tang Hao Chen/Zheng Sai Sai d. Clare Fong/Julienne Si Ying Keong 6-0, 6-2

(7) Australia d. Kazakhstan 3-0

Molly Polak d. Yelena Nemchen 6-3, 6-1
Viktorija Rajicic d. Kamila Kerimbayeva 6-0, 6-0
Alexandra Nancarrow/Viktorija Rajicic d. Kamila Kerimbayeva/Zalina Khairudinova 6-1, 6-2


Other results - Junior Davis Cup

Group A
(1) South Korea, New Zealand, (8) China

(1) South Korea vs New Zealand 1-1 still no update
Chung Hong d. Chester Espie 6-4, 7-6(4)
Jaden Grinter d. Jeong Suk Young 7-6(6), 6-7(7), 9-7
Chung Hong/Jang Woo Hyeok vs Jaden Grinter/Jamie Yates - still no update


Group C
(4) Japan, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan, (5) Australia

(4) Japan d. Pakistan 3-0
Shoki Hachiya d. Khurram Faizan 6-2, 6-0
Motoaki Kita d. Ashiq Heera 6-4, 6-1
Shoki Hachoiya/Soma Kuribayashi d. Ashiq Heera/Muhammad Abid 6-3, 6-2

(5) Australia d. Chinese Taipei 3-0
Joey Swaysland d. Lai Kai-Wen 6-0, 6-2
Luke Saville d. Chuang Ting-Yu 6-1, 6-2
Luke Saville/Joey Swaysland d. Lai Kai-Wen/Chuang Ting-Yu 6-3, 3-6, 6-3


Group D
(2) India, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, (7) Philippines

(2) India d. Kazakhstan 3-0
Saurabn Singh d. Alexey Nesterov 6-3, 6-1
Mohit Mayur Jayaprakash d. Denis Yevseyev 6-4, 7-5
Saurabn Singh/Bisht Ronit d. Alexey Nesterov/Dinmukhamed Yessenkulov 6-2, 6-2

Hong Kong d. (7) Philippines 3-0

Kong Kwun Ho d. Leander Lazaro 6-2, 6-0
Chak Ting Justin To d. Jeson Patrombon 7-6(3), 6-4
Chak Ting Justin To/Kong Kwun Ho d. Jeson Patrombon/Leander Lazaro 6-2, 7-5

Photo of draw board at Tatura Tennis Club is courtesy of tennisaustralia.com

Indonesia is third seed in Junior Fed Cup

Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event for the Junior Davis & Fed Cup will be staged for the very first time in Australia in Shepparton, Victoria from April 15 to 20, 2009.

The participating countries are China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Australia.

The 15 boys' and 16 girls' teams will play off in a round-robin pool from April 15 up to 17 with the top two teams from each four team pool moving through to the quarterfinals on April 18. Winners will then move on to the semifinals on April 19, with the finals to be played on April 20. Each tie comprises of two singles and a doubles match.

The four semifinalists will then play in the World Finals, to be held 29 September to 4 October in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

This Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event for the Junior Davis & Fed Cup will be held at the Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club and Tatura Lawn Tennis Club throughout the week (April 15-20).

Indonesian girls team is comprised of Grace Sari Ysidora, Cynthia Melita and Rekyan Woro, while Indonesian boys team is consisted of Jason Joey Alexander, Wisnu Adi Nugraha and Rizky Bagus Saputra.

Ysisora and her team mates are placed in group B with Philippines, Sri Lanka and fifth seed India. In the opening day tomorrow, Indonesia will play against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile Alexander and his comrades are in group B with third seed Uzbekistan, sixth seed Thailand and Malaysia. Indonesian boys will clash with Thailand tomorrow.

Junior Fed Cup contenders:

Group A
(1) Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, (8) South Korea

Japan: Emi Mutaguchi, Akiko Omae, Yuki Ito
Hong Kong: Katherine Cheng Ip, Sze Lok Leung, Jacqueline Lucy Tang
Malaysia: Adelle Boey, Lyn Yee Choo, Theuviya Selvarajoo
South Korea: Jang Su-Jeong, Yea Hyojung, Choi Ji Hee

Group B
(3) Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, (5) India

Indonesia: Grace Sari Ysidora, Cynthia Melita, Rekyan Woro
Sri Lanka: Nilushi Fernando, Kemalie Herath, Sheren Wijesinghe
Philippines: Anna Clarice Patromonio, Ma Regina Santiago, Marinal Rudas
India: Shweta Rana, Ratnika Batra, Rishika Sunkara

Group C
(4) Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, (6) New Zealand

Uzbekistan: Alisa Ogorodova, Sabina Sharipova, Nigina Abduraimova
Chinese Taipei: Lee Hua-Chen, Tsai Hsin-Ting, Wu Yu-Hui
Thailand: Kaewma Jaruwadee, Sankaew Napatsakorn, Raktaengam Budsarin
New Zealand: Katherine Westbury, Briar Preston, Leala Beattie

Group D
(2) China, Singapore, Kazakhstan, (7) Australia

China: Zheng Sai Sai, Yang Zi, Tang Hao-Chen
Singapore: Si Ying Julienne Keong, Clare Fong, Wan Yi Nicole Rosenberger
Kazakhstan: Kamila Kerimbayeva, Zalina Khairudinova, Yelena Nemchen
Australia: Alexandra Nancarrow, Viktorija Rajicic, Molly Polak


Junior Davis Cup contestants:

Group A
(1) South Korea, New Zealand, (8) China

South Korea: Jeong Suk Young, Chung Hong, Jang Woo Hyeok
New Zealand: Jaden Grinter, Jamie Yates, Chester Espie
China: Tu Qin, Gao Xin, Wang Lu-Yao

Group B
(3) Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, (6) Thailand

Uzbekistan: Sergey Shipilov, Jakhongir Jalolov, AbduvorisSaitmukhamedov
Indonesia: Jason Joey Alexander, Wisnu Adi Nugraha, Rizky Bagus Saputra
Malaysia: Akiez Elyaas Deen, Mohamed Nazim Khan, Mohd Assri Merzuki
Thailand: Nuttanon Kadchapanan, Warit Sorinbutnark, Avirth Phaphui

Group C
(4) Japan, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan, (5) Australia

Japan: Motoaki Kita, Shoki Hachiya, Souma Kuribayashi
Chinese Taipei: Chuang Ting-Yu, Lai Kai-Wen, Chang Feng-Shuo
Pakistan: Faizan Khuram, Heera Ashig, Muhameed Abid
Australia: Jason Kubler, Luke Saville, Joey Swaysland

Group D
(2) India, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, (7) Philippines

India: Moht Mayur Jayaprakesh, Saurabh Singh, Ronit Bisht
Kazakhstan: Denis Yevseyov, Alexey Nesterov, Dinmukhamed Yessenkulov
Hong Kong: Chak Ting Justin To, Kwun Ho Kong, Long Fong Yau
Philippines: Jeson Patrombon, Leander Lazoro, Alberto Lorenzo Villamor

Photo of Rekyan Woro by Adji Soedibjo; photos of Wisnu Adi Nugraha, Rizky Bagus Saputra - by Amin Pujanto

Lertpitaksinchai is triumphant at Indore Grade B1

Talented 17 years old Thai, Nicha "Eve" Lertpitaksinchai was triumphant at "Asian Closed Junior Tennis Championships 2009" at Indore Tennis Center, Indore, India yesterday (April 11, 2009). Placed as eighth seed here at an ITF Grade B 1 tourney, Lertpitaksinchai (currently at ITF 137) came back from a set down to secure her fourth title of ITF Junior Cuircuit by defeating top seed Miyabi Inoue from Japan 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-3. Previous three titles for Lertpitaksinchai came from Bandung Grade 4 in 2006 when she edged past "rookie" and wild card Grace Sari Ysidora in three sets, then Laksi, Thailand Grade 4 & Chandigarh, India Grade 3 both in 2008.

With such biggest achievement of her junior career, Lertpitaksinchai bagged 180 rank points and she will crack inside top 60 tomorrow (April 13, 2009). Her highest rank so far was at ITF 101 on July 28, 2008.

Meanwhile in doubles' finals, second seed pair Miyabi Inoue/Kobkanok Upapong (Japan/Thailand) also fought back in a very fierce battle and they barely ousted top seed pair Kanyapat Narattana/Grace Sari Ysidora (Thailand/Indonesia) 6-7(2), 6-4, 12-10.

As for Ysidora, tomorrow she will join her team mates of Junior Fed Cup, Cynthia Melita, Rekyan Woro and they will leave for Melbourne, Australia. Ysidora will be the anchor for Indonesian girls' team and they will compete at Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event for Junior Davis and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas which will get underway on 15 April, 2009. As soon as they arrive in Melbourne, they will head to Shepparton, Victoria, Australia along with 13 other teams in the hope of securing one of the four available spots at the Junior Davis Cup & Junior Fed Cup Final in to be held in San Luis Potosi, Mexico in September.

Photos of Nicha Lertpitaksinchai are courtesy of bangkokpost.com

Narattana ousts Ysidora in Indore Grade B1

The only player from Indonesia in the main draw, third seed Grace Sari Ysidora was ousted by her doubles partner and fifth seed Kanyapat Narattana of Thailand in quarterfinals at "Asian Closed Junior Tennis Championships 2009" at Indore Tennis Center, Indore, India yesterday (April 9, 2009). Ysidora did not perform in her normal form and played an erratic game throughout the match. She became an error machine and just gave away many free points to Narattana. So, Thai Narattana took her revenge by beating Ysidora 6-4, 6-3. In their first meeting at "LTAT Junior Championships 2008" in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Ysidora eased past her doubles partner 6-2, 6-1.

In other quarterfinals, top seed Miyabi Inoue of Japan secured her semifinals berth after she had victory over qualifier and ninth seed Kobkanok Upapong from Thailand 6-3, 6-1. In the last four round, Inoue will face Narattana. Two other players who advanced into semi-finals were eighth seed Nicha Lertpitaksinchai of Thailand and 12th seed Tanvi Shah from India. Lertpitaksinchai did not have much problem in defeating 13th seed Prerna Bhambri of India 6-2, 6-0. While Shah had a comfortable victory over her compatriot and 16th seed Sharmada Balu 6-3, 6-1. Lertpitaksinchai and Shah will battle in the other last four round.

Another Thai hope, second seed Natchanok Saenyaukhot was upset by Balu in a grueling three sets. Eventually Balu won 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) in the third round. Other casualties were two best Indian players sixth seed Kyra Shroff and seventh seed Rashmi Teltumbde. Shroff was beaten by Shah 3-6, 6-4, 6-7(4), while Teltumbde was defeated by Thai Upapong 2-6, 7-5, 4-6.

Top seed pair, Narattana/Ysidora cruised into semi-finals. In quarterfinals, they crushed eighth seed Indian duet, Ashvarya Shrivastava/Kumari-Sweta Slanki 6-1, 6-0. In the last four round, Narattana/Ysidora will clash with fourth seed Lertpitaksinchai/Saenyaukhot of Thailand. Duo Lertpitaksinchai/Saenyaukhot edged past sixth seed local pair, Tanvi Shah/Rishika Sunkara 6-3, 6-4. Meanwhile second seed duet Miyabi Inoue/Kobkanok Upapong (Japan/Thailand) eased past seventh seed local pair, Aishwarya Agrawal/Sharmada Balu 6-3, 6-0. Then third seed duo Fatma Al Nabhani/Kyra Shroff (Oman/India) had to work hard to beat fifth seed local duo, Prerna Bhmabri/Rashmi Teltumbde 6-3, 5-7, 12-10.

Picture of Kanyapat Narattana is courtesy of flickr.com

Ysidora reaches quarterfinals at Indore ITF Grade B1

The one and only player from Indonesia in the main draw, third seed Grace Sari Ysidora continued her run at "Asian Closed Junior Tennis Championships 2009" at Indore Tennis Center, Indore, India today (April 8, 2009). In the third round or round 16, Ysidora eased past 14th seed Indian, Ankita Raina 6-2, 6-1.

In quarterfinals tomorrow, she will face fifth seed Kanyapat Narattana of Thailand. It will be the second meeting for Ysidora against Narattana. In their first outing, Ysidora defeated her Thai opponent 6-2, 6-1 in the second round of "LTAT Junior Championships 2008" - an ITF Grade 1 tourney held in Nonthaburi, Thailand. It will be Ysidora's first quarterfinals' appearance in her first ever participation here in Indore B1, while Narattana maintained her action into the last eight round same as last year also here in Indore B1.

Photo of Grace Sari Ysidora is courtesy of kabarindonesia.com

"Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series" is coming to town

Garuda Indonesia officially asserted its commitment as the main sponsor for “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series 2009” in its press conference at Mulia Hotel, Jakarta yesterday (April 7, 2009). Since last year “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series” began its presence and it was initiated by Sportama, a company formed by former national players such as Angelique Widjaja and Teddy Tanjung. In its second year existence, such full support from Garuda Indonesia in financing the biggest tourney in Indonesia will cover 5 (five) series of tournament with prize money of 150 million rupiahs per tourney and one final Masters with total prize money of 500 million rupiahs. Same as last year, final Masters is an exclusively for eight men and eight women who accumulate highest points at minimum in 3 series out of 5 from “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series 2009". Sportama has actually improved its rules by requiring each player at minimum must perform in 3 series in order to be eligible in final Masters. Last year, Sandy Gumulya who played only in the third one and came out as a winner, she became eligible to play final Masters.

The first of five series will be called “OkeShop Tennis Open” and it will start from April 19 through April 26, 2009 at Rasuna Tennis Complex, Jakarta. Widjaja plans to participate in the opening tourney as confirmed by Tournament Director, Teddy Tanjung. Numero uno of Indonesia, Christopher Rungkat will not be among the contenders, since he will play tourneys in Uzbekistan.

In press conference, some high-profiles were present such as President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar, then President of Indonesia Tennis Association, Martina Widjaja accompanied by Johannes Susanto, Head of Tournament Committee. Meanwhile from Sportama, its President Director Glen Sugita along with Tournament Director Teddy Tanjung were also present. In question and answer session with the press, “tennis diva” Martina Widjaja urged Garuda Indonesia and Sportama in the case of few top players are abroad on tour and their schedule is conflicted with “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series”, the lady boss suggested that points earned by those players overseas should be counted into their eligibility in playing final Masters. It was truly protectionism by “Big Mama” towards her own players in her tennis camp and for sure Garuda Indonesia and Sportama should just ignore her wishful thinking. It was obvious that Martina Widjaja did not have the capacity as a leader at all. No doubt, she is a big boss. It was truly her innate personal character as well as behavior and she always expects her cronies to follow whatever order she gives to them. Shame on Indonesian tennis!

Photos of press conference - courtesy of Yuslan from "Waspada" daily

Ysidora wins opener at Indore Grade B1

The only Indonesian in the main draw of "Asian Closed Junior Tennis Championships 2009", third seed and 15 years old Grace Sari Ysidora breezed past local player Ikttesh Chahal 6-0, 6-1 in the second round or round 32 at Indore Tennis Club in Indore, India today (April 7, 2009). Only top three seeds got first round bye including Ysidora. Her Indian opponent Chaval, also 15 years old, is currently ranked at ITF 865 and she claimed her victory over local wild card Shruti Jaiswal 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round yesterday. In the third round or round 16, world ranked 65 Ysidora will clash with 14th seed and world ranked 249 Ankita Raina of India. Raina, 16 years old, won her opening round (round 64) over her compatriot Disha Saigal 6-2, 6-1 then today she crushed local wild card Megha Sehrawat 6-0, 6-2 in the second round.

Top seed and 17 years old Miyabi Inoue of Japan (ranked at ITF 22) also secured her ticket into round 16 as she had no mercy towards local player, Susita Das and booted her opponent out 6-0, 6-0. Inoue has been impressive recently after she finished as runner-up at "Japan Open Junior Championships 2009" in Nagoya, Aichi prefecture this past week-end. Indeed, she became runner-up two years in a row at the prestigious ITF Grade 1 tourney. Inoue was semi-finalist here in Indore B1 last year when she lost to Yang Zi-Jun from Hong Kong.

Second seed Thai Natchanok Saenyaukhot clinched her second round victory over local player, Arushi Sharma, also double bagels same as Inoue. 17 years old Saenyaukhot is currently ranked at ITF 58. Following the three top seeds, the rest of seeded players all advanced into the third round.

Fourth seed and also 17 years old Fatma Al Nabhani of Oman (ranked ITF 71) defeated local qualifier Preethi Ujjini 6-1, 6-0 and she will meet 13th seed Prerna Bhambri of India in round 16. Fifth seed 16 years old Thai, Kanyapat Narattana (ranked at ITF 74) also obtained her ticket into third round as she edged past Kumari-Sweta Solanki of India 6-1, 6-3. Narattana will face 11th seed Rishika Sunkara from India in the third round. While sixth seed Indian, Kyra Shroff saw-off her compatriot Nova Patel 7-5, 6-0 then she will play against local player and 12th seed Tanvi Shah in round 16. Seventh seed Rashmi Teltumbde of India began her campaign with a victory over her compatriot Natasha Palha 6-2, 7-6(4) and up next she will face Thai qualifier and ninth seed Kobkanok Upapong in the third round. Last but not least, eighth seed Nicha Lertpitaksinchai from Thailand cruised past Ratnika Batra of India 6-1, 6-2 in today's second round. In round 16, Lertpitaksinchai will play against tenth seed Ashvarya Shrivastava of India.

Picture of Grace Sari Ysidora is courtesy of kabarindonesia.com