Luksika one win away from Aust Open
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Thai No 2 Luksika Kumkhum survived the windy conditions at Melbourne Park to beat Japan's 149th ranked Kurumi Nara 6-1 5-7 6-3 in the second of three qualifying rounds for the Australian Open yesterday. Despite eight double faults, the 18-year-old maintai
“It was very windy today, I was a bit slow in the second set and made a lot of unforced errors. After she won that set, I was still confident I could come back to win the third. I got a little nervous when I made easy mistakes but I stuck to my game plan and kept the ball in play. I was lucky to pull it off,” said the 201st ranked Luksika, the only Thai still in contention for the singles main draw. For a slot in the year’s first Major, the teenager must today beat world No 146 Marta Sirotkina of Russia, who upset 16th-seeded Claire Feuerstein of France 6-2 7-6 (7-5). The Thai lost their only previous meeting, in Bangkok last year.
“I lost to her 2-6 3-6 in a US$25,000 event at Rama Gardens Hotel. This time I am determined to play my own game and not give her easy points. I’m a bit tired after playing two three-set matches, but there is no injury,” said Lukisa.
