Better late than never - from Singapore, Indonesians showed their advantage

Former Fed Cup team member and once world ranked 471, Liza Andriyani proved her ability as she won the title at the inaugural Racket Sports Asia Tennis Championships for women's singles category which ended on February 8, 2009. Third seed Indonesian Andriyani claimed the crown after defeating fourth seed Thai, Varanya "Kaew" Vijuksanaboon 6-4, 6-2. It was indeed a perfect birthday present for herself, as Andriyani turned 30 years old four days later.

But then, Andriyani and her 36 years old Malaysian doubles' partner, Lela Zainal fell 7-5, 4-6, 3-6 to younger Indonesian pair, 17 years old Trivena Monika Putri and 21 years old Dede Tari Kusrini of North Sumatra in the women's doubles final.

The tournament, which started on January 30, 2009 boasted a total prize purse of SGD $ 25,000. It attracted 258 entries in four categories of men's singles and doubles, women's singles and doubles.

In the men's singles category, top seed and the world No. 683 Kim Dylan Seong-Kwan of South Korea defeated compatriot and 2008 Roland Garros Junior Championships quarter-finalist Cho Soong Jae 6-4, 6-2 at the Kallang Tennis Centre to pocket SGD $ 3,500 winner's prize money. 23 years old Kim's biggest career win came in last May's South Korean Futures tournament in Jaeju. Kim's first visit to Singapore finished on a mixed note. Kim and Myong Ji University teammate Cho lost to the Thai-Indonesian pairing of up and coming Peerakiat "Nack" Siriluethaiwattana and veteran Andrian Raturandang 6-0, 5-7, 6-7 (3-7) in the men's doubles final.