Nicha, Peangtarn, Patcharin parade into 2nd round in Hua Hin
Third seed Nicha Lertpitaksinchai ousted Belgian qualifier Britt Geukens 6-0 6-2 to win her first singles match in 2017 during the first round of the US$25,000 Cal-Comp & XYZ Printing ITF Pro Circuit W3 at the True Arena Hua Hin on Tuesday.
Entering the Tuesday’s actions with zero win from six tournaments since January, the 301st ranked Thai dominated play with her solid groundstrokes to wrap up the match in just 54 minutes.
“To be honest, I hadn’t been at the top of my fitness level earlier as I have to focus on my study,” said the Hospitality Management student of the Dusit Rajhabat University.
“I’ve taken such a long time with my study as I’m playing professional tennis. I’m close to finishing the degree now,” added the 25-year-old national Fed Cup player who reached the final of a US$25,000 circuit the last time she played here in October.
“I didn’t’ expect much before the match but somehow everything just went my way today. I always play well here even though my game doesn’t suit the surface. Winning my first match in months really helps my confidence,” said Nicha who lines up a second round clash with Sara Tomic of Australia.
Peangtarn Plipuech
Fellow Fed Cup teammate Peangtarn Plipuech also advanced to the second round after coming back from a disastrous form in the first set to beat Tammachan Momkhoonthod 3-6 6-1 6-0.
"I played terribly in the first set. Then I slowed things down and gave her shots she didn't like. She made so many errors from then on." said the Thai No 2 Peangtarn.
Patcharin Cheapchandej, one of the in-form Thai players at the moment, also recovered from a first set loss to oust Chinese Guo Shanshan 3-6 6-4 6-2.
