Chen Ti Wins 18 th Futures Title.
Hua Hin - Top seed Chen Ti of Taiwan lifted up his 18 th Futures trophy after he outclassed Chinese teenager Sun Fajing 6-3 6-1 in the final of the US$10,000 Cal-Comp & XYZ Printing ITF Thailand Men’s Futures 1 at the True Arena Hua Hin yesterday.
The 32 year-old world No 256 proved more solid and aggressive at the back of the court as he tamed the 19-year-old rival, who was playing his first final, in one hour and 48 minutes for his fifth Men’s Futures title in Thailand after lifting two titles in the Kingdom in 2008 and two more in 2014. He also won the doubles with American John Paul Fruttero on Friday.
“I feel really good. I played a lot of matches in both the singles and doubles for a total of nine matches. It was tough but I’m happy that I have gone through this,” said Chen who earned the winner’s prize money of US$1440 while Sun had to be content with US$ 848 cheque.
Chen who also won his previous Futures in Namangan, Uzbekistan in May was engaged in a long opening game before he managed a break and went on to lead 4-0. Although Sun, No 603, rallied back to reduce the deficit to 3-4, he was broken to love in the ninth game, giving Chen the opener after 58 minutes.
The Taiwanese still dominated play with better court coverage to lead 4-1 as errors kept coming from the Chinese racquet. At 5-1 Chen surged to the net at 40-0 and closed out the match with a forehand volley.
“It was tough especially in the first few games. There were some long deuces. After 4-0, he tried to catch up but I pushed myself to win the first set. In the second set we fought hard. But when I got my chances I took them and I won in the end,” said Chen who will next enter the US$50,000 Bangkok Challenger which gets underway at Rama Garden Hotel.
“Everyday is a challenge for me. I hope to continue this form at the Bangkok Challenger.” Chen added.
In the first qualifying round of the Futures 2 also at this same venue, SEA Games champion Warit Sornbutnark ousted South African Llewellyn Cox 6-1 6-1.
