Bunyawi Eyes on Revenge

The second seed Thai who was sent packing by the France-based opponent in round one last week beat last Circuit 4 finalist Nudnida Luangnam 6-4 6-4 in the Thursday’s quarter-finals while Ka easily upset  fifth seed Lee So-Ra of South Korea 6-4 6-1.

After that loss to Ka, the local teenager emotionally broke down for she was not in great shape as a result of excessive training before the tournament. She rearranged her practice schedule after that and was looking forwards to a vengeance with the 705 th ranked Ka, who just turned professional after graduating from the San Francesco University earlier this year.

“I really felt terrible after that match. I didn’t expect to lose that early. But this week I’m physically ready and I’m confident that I can return the favour,” said the Nakhon Ratchasima girl who lost the match in three sets.

The encounter between the two is a test before the SEA Games in Malaysia next year. Both players are one of the strong candidates to grab the women’s singles gold medal.

“She has big serves, big forehand and solid backhand. I have to play with extra patience and turn aggressive when I need to be,” added Bunyawi.

In the other quarter-finals, Japanese Mai Hontama survived a late fight-back from Thai wildcard holder Chompoothip Jandakate who saved two match points at 4-5 in the second set before going down 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (7-3). Hontama will face top seed Hsu Chieh-Yu of Taiwan who was leading Serbia’s Natalija Kostic 6-4 before the latter retired with left thigh injury.