Danai pulls Thailand level

After Thailand’s Kittipong Wachiramanowong lost the first rubber to SEA Games gold medallist Christopher Rungkat 6-4 6-3 6-2, the Kingdom’s No 1 Danai Udomchoke levelled the tie with a straight-sets victory over Aditya Hari Sasongko 6-1 6-1 6-3.

Kittipong fumed at controversial calls by local linesmen but still gave credit to Rungkat.

“I knew there were going to be some bad calls, but it was hard to deal with when I was on the court. I was disappointed but Rungkat hit some great forehands and there was nothing I could,’’ said Kittipong, who has set his sights on making amends in tomorrow’s singles.

More experienced team-mate Danai was also prepared for “home-team” officiating and dealt with it better than his compatriot.

“I knew I couldn’t hit close to the lines because it would lead to calls I wouldn’t agree with. I was not happy with calls at several points but I tried to keep calm and consistent. I’m satisfied that I took the point, just as I expected,” said Danai who is now looking forward to avenging his defeat to Rugkat in last year’s SEA Games final.

Today, Thai twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana play David Agung Susanto and Wisnu Adi Nugroho from 1pm Bangkok time. 

 

Serena, Venus advance 

Fifth-seeded Serena Williams overpowered New Zealand’s Marina Erakovic 6-2 6-2 on Thursday for a quarter-final place as she and sister Venus edged closer to a clash on the green clay courts of Charleston, South Carolina. Serena could eventually face a semi-final with elder sister Venus, who beat Aussi Anastasia Rodionova 7-5 6-2.