Two more Thais handed Pattaya wild cards

The two rising stars will join veteran and twotime finalist Tamarine Tanasugarn in the WTA event, which features former world No 2 Vera Zvonareva of Russia, Slovakians Dominika Cibulkova and Daniela Hantuchova, Maria Kirilenko of Russia and China’s Zhang Jie.
Thai doubles specialist Varatchaya Wongteanchai also received a wild card, and will play in the doubles competition. The recipients of the two remaining singles wild cards will be announced later.
Other talents to watch out for this year include Romania’s Sorana Cirstea and 2006 Bangkok Open champion Vania King of the US. Cirstea proved she was no mere pretty face by rising as high as world No 23, before an injuryplagued season dropped her down to No 59. This week she showed her potential by knocking out world No 5 Sam Stosur at the Australian Open. King, who was born to Taiwanese parents, won her first professional title in Bangkok, dashing the hopes of Tammy in the process.
Strong challenges will also come from the British and Japanese contingents. Brits in the lineup include Heather Watson, Laura Robson and Anne Keothavong. Robson is known to Thai fans for beating Noppawan in the 2008 Junior Wimbledon final at the age of 14. Keothavong is the more experienced of the trio. She was in good form reaching the semifinal in Luxembourg at the end of last season.
 The top four Japanese players are also competing in Pattaya. Their challenge is led by Ayumi Morita, who broke into the top 50 for the first time last year. Veteran Kimiko DateKrumm returns for the fourth successive year, while Misaki Doi and Erika Sema round out the Japanese quartet.
The tournament kicks off on February 6 with play from 3pm daily and the finals on Sunday February 12. Live coverage will be provided by Siam Sport Channel from February 610, then NBT on February 11 and 12. For tickets at Bt300, Bt500, Bt800 and Bt1,200, call (02) 3113 414/5 or visit www.PentanglePromotions.com, or (02) 2623456; www.Thaiticketmajor.com.