Plobrung Upsets Chinese Rival in Hua Hin
Plobrung Plipuech led the local challenge into the second round of the Thailand ITF Women's Pro Circuit Week 1 following an upset opening round win over Yuenu Li of China 6-4 7-6 (7-4) at the True Arena Hua Hin on Monday.
The younger sister of Thai No 2 Peangtarn proved more consistent than her impatient Chinese opponent as progressed to the next round under the scorching heat at the resort town.
“I wasn’t hitting the ball well but I pushed myself to stay focused. It’s just one of those days that you tried to win the match when you were not paying well,” said the in form 18-year-old, one of the few locals to have produced impressive results over the past three ITF circuits in Thailand.
The 18-year-old girl has a tough task waiting on Wednesday as she will face fifth seed Jiaxi Lu of China. Peangtarn produced a surprise victory over the Mainlander in three sets during the US$25,000 ITF event here last week but never wrote off the chance of her big-hitting opponent.
“Even though I just beat her in the previous circuit, it wasn’t easy at all. To do that again I need to be more focused and hit the ball back as many as possible,” the teenager said.
Qualifier Patcharin Cheapchandej was the other Thai winner on Monday. She dropped only one game to oust wildcard player compatriot Thitirat Kanaphuet 6-0 6-1.
In the other opening round matches, Katharina Lehnert of the Philippines beat Dolavee Tumthong 6-2 6-1, Emilie Francati of Denmark ousted Natasha Palha of India 6-4 6-4, fourth seed Xu Liu Sun downed Zhang Yukhun of China 6-2 6-4, fifth seed Jiaxi Lu of China picked off Tamachan Momkoonthod 6-2 3-6 6-2 and Chinese qualifier Si Qi Liu beat countrywoman Di Zhao 6-3 6-3
