French pair book showdown in Hua Hin, Pruchya gets lucky break
Hua Hin - DOUBLES SPECIALIST Fabien Reboul set up an all-French final with his close buddy Sadio Doumbia following semi-final wins over South Korean opponents in the US$10,000 ITF Men’s Futures 4 at Hua Hin’s True Arena yesterday.
The winner of 14 doubles ITF titles, Reboul combined an aggressive baseline game and net attacks to overpower Chung Hong of South Korea 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 23 minutes, while his friend and top seed Doumbia recovered to move past former World University Games champion Lim Yong-kyu 5-7 7-5 6-2 in two hours and 17 minutes.
Rain played havoc yesterday, as the semi-finals lapsed three hours behind schedule. But the sodden skies and damp court failed to cool the red-hot Reboul who has yet to drop a set on his way to the final.
“Against solid players like Asians, who are good from the baseline, you have to go to the net and be more aggressive. That’s what I did to win the semi-final. This is my second final and I’m so happy. I feel like I am at home here,” said Reboul, whose career highlights have come on the doubles court.
Sadio Doumbia
“When I was 15, I won the national junior championship in France. I have played many doubles and my game has improved. Now I am trying to improve my game in the singles. I’m more aggressive in the singles and I can move to the net during important moments, which is something not many players can do,” said the 21-year-old from Toulouse, who is poised to win his first ITF singles trophy. He lost to Russian Karen Kachanov, currently No 53 in the world, in his first final back at home in Toulouse in March last year.
“Tomorrow will be tough but I think I have chances because I’m playing well this week. I’m very confident and I think I can win,” added the Gallic young gun.
Pruchya and Chayanon
The men’s doubles final delivered an anticlimax yesterday as Lim, 30 minutes after his singles defeat, conceded the match due to an injured left wrist. He and South Korean partner Lee Jea Moon were to play Pruchya Isarow and Chayanon Kaewsuto, who were able to hoist the trophy without breaking sweat. It marked a change of fortunes for national Davis Cup player Pruchya, who was involved in a car accident a fortnight ago. He was sleeping in his family car when a van collided with their vehicle, leaving Pruchya with a cut over his right eyebrow and a stiff neck.
“I still have some difficulty stretching my neck. However I had some luck in winning this title without having to play. Hopefully things are beginning to go my way,” said the 21-year-old.
