Bunyawi Eyes On Ending 15 Months Title Drought

The top seed was pumped up to win her first title in 17 months in the last circuit of the five-week Hua Hin series. She is vying to become the first Thai to win a singles title with the previous four circuits being dominated by three Chinese players and one Dutchwoman.

“Just one more match and I will finally go home after having been here for five weeks. I’m determined to play well and win something before I leave,” said the 18-year-old who dictated play in the match against Varunya with her attacking baseline game to claim the victory in one hour and 55 minutes.

“Everything about my game was so good. The serves, the backhand, forehand and shot reading were just fine. There might be time that I rushed too much but I still managed to find my way back to finish the match,” added Bunyawi whose only one ITF crown occurred in May last year in Bangkok.

Standing in her way in the final is fourth seed Natalija Kostic of Serbia who came back from a set loss to dash another Thai hope Plobrung Plipuech 3-6 6-4 6-1 after two hours and 32 minutes.

“It’s a pity that there won’t be an all Thai final. I got to see her match in the final set (Kostic vs Plobrung)  and found that she was a bit tired. But she can play aggressive tennis and has solid defensive game. I have play like today to beat her,” added Bunyawi.

The girl is the second Thai player to reach the final of a home ITF event this year after Nicha Lertpitaksinchai in the second circuit three weeks ago. Nicha was leading Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands a set and 5-1 up but surprisingly went down in three tough sets.

In the doubles title match, veteran Nudnida Luangnam won back-to-back titles after she and Varunya beat Chompoothip Jindakate and Tamachan Momkoonthod 6-2 6-7 (2-7) 10-0. Last week Nudnida also won the tile but with Chinese Zhang Yukun.