Noppawan ousts Imanishi to advance in Mildaru
Noppawan Lertcheewakarn beat Miharu Imanishi of Japan 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to reach the second round of the US$25,000 Australian ITF Women’s Circuit in Mildaru on Tuesday.
The former world junior No 1 relied on her expertise on grass to win the match in one hour and 47 minutes. It was her first maindraw ITF match win since reaching the second round in Hong Kong in January. The win was also a revenge for the Thai who lost to the Japanese foe 1-6 2-6 in a small ITF event in Khaosiung last year.
Noppawan, who just graduated her degree in laws from Bangkok University this year, will play either eighth seed Freya Christie of UK or Russian Natela Dzalamidze, winner of an ITF event in Hua Hin last year, in round two.
