Ravita continues on, Ysidora falls

Nadia Ravita, 14 years old from Jakarta, continues on to the third round (round 16) at "El Paso Youth Tennis Center Open" an ITF grade 5 tourney in El Paso, Texas, USA. After three months training at International Tennis Academy in Delray Beach, Florida, Ravita experiences her maiden championship in the land of Chris Evert. It is also her first time playing ITF grade 5 as a surprise. Currently at ITF 954, Ravita's best outcome was at Surabaya grade 4 last year when she reached quarter-final. In the opening round (round 64) as 13th seeded, Ravita fought hard to beat Jessie Huang of California, USA 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. Yesterday, in the second round, Ravita won easily over 17 years old Texan Abby Hayley 6-1, 6-0. In round 16, Ravita, daughter of former national players Hawin Sutopo and Lukky Tedjamukti, will face 15 years old Nicole Melichar of USA. Ranked 1072, Melichar, was successfully crushing third seeded, 14 years old Jessica Pegula of USA (ITF 575) 7-6, 6-1.

Thousands miles away in Nonthaburi, Thailand, 15 years old Grace Sari Ysidora falls in the third round (round 16) at "LTAT Junior Championships 2008" - an ITF grade 2 tourney. Currently ranked 131 and as eight seeded, Ysidora bowed out to her nemesis in U-14 tours, Thai prodigy Luksika Kumkhum (ITF 265) 4-6, 3-6. Both players battled in a very hot condition and Grace played quite bad as she admitted herself. Yesterday, the top seeded Fatma Al Nabhani of Oman crashed out in the second round when she had to play three sets under very hot sun. Afterwards she passed out and was rushed to the nearest hospital.

In the first round (round 64), Ysidora received bye. Then in the second round (round 32), she won easily 6-2, 6-2 over wild card Napatsakorn Sankew of Thailand. In doubles, Ysidora partnered with Zhao Di from China and this duo is placed as seventh seeded. After getting first round bye (round 32), tonight Ysidora/Zhao faced Prang Pantusart/Kobkanok Upapong both from Thailand. First time playing together, Ysidora/Zhao lost to solid Pantusart/Upapong 0-6, 3-6. Zhao forced herself to play despite waist problem, as result she could not play at her best.