THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Tammy soars in grace rankings

Tammy soars in grace rankings

Despite promising rising hitters, Tamarine Tanasugarn remains Thailand's queen of hearts on the tennis court, and it's likely that her own big heart is one of the reasons she's still slugging away at age 35.

Despite promising rising hitters, Tamarine Tanasugarn remains Thailand’s queen of hearts on the tennis court, and it’s likely that her own big heart is one of the reasons she’s still slugging away at age 35.
Still a kid compared to Martina Navratilova, who was still winning in doubles on the cusp of her 50th birthday, Tammy was, as of press time, still worrying rivals in a Birmingham warm-up tournament for Wimbledon. But only in doubles after losing in singles on Monday – in the most charming fashion, as highlighted on The Nation’s front page. She not only cooled down her fuming opponent with her sportsmanship – she bowled her over.
Russian World No 56 Alla Kudryavtseva protested to the chair umpire after an overeager Tammy, game point in hand, shouted “Come on!” (at herself) while the ball was still in play, and the rules forbid doing anything that might distract your opponent. The umpire asked Tammy if she had indeed said something during the point.
Most players would have said “nope” and pocketed the point. Tammy was well ahead and could have had a berth in the second round in the bag. But she told the truth, the point was replayed and the Russian won it, then the set – and rode the confidence boost all the way through the third set to victory.
Kudryavtseva was grateful, tweeting, ”Tammy is the most honest person I know, an amazing person. No one else I know would do that.”
Tammy’s call: “I was sad to lose – but I think I made the right decision.”

Error and reward
It’s pretty embarrassing getting caught by actor Ananda Everingham publishing someone else’s picture beside his name. It’s also pretty exciting that he reads The Nation.
That, at least, is our consolation after Ananda posted on Instagram a snap of our “Born this day” celebrity-birthday feature on May 31 with the comment, “Hmm, I’m pretty sure that’s not me. But thanks for thinking of me all the same.”
We’re tickled red with shame.

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