Bunyawi ends her losing streak

It was the first victory for the Thai teenager in an ITF tournament this year and she could not contain her happiness. The 18-year-old from Korat had squandered leads in four of her previous matches to lose. This time, she overcame a mid-match lapse of concentration at 6-4 5-1 to finish off her rival at 6-3 on a day when four of her compatriots marched into the second round.
 “I felt as if I had won the tournament,” said a relieved Bunywawi, who admitted that fear of failure had a deep psychological impact on her. “I lost so many matches which really affected me mentally. When she broke me for 2-5, the memories of blowing away leads came into my mind. But I really went for my shots in the final game. It’s either to make or break,” she said.
Bunyawi, the only Thai to win in the ITF circuit event at this venue last year, said that part of the reason for poor results was her lack of physical fitness. She said she barely touched the racquet in February as she was busy with studies at school. Now that she had obtained a high-school certificate, she hopes to fully focus on her tennis career. The confidence she gained from yesterday’s win will motivate her for an upset win over fifth seed Harriet Dart of Great Britain.
This week’s ITF circuit event was also a redemption of sorts for third seed Nicha Lertpitaksinchai, who ousted Belgian qualifier Britt Geukens 6-0 6-2 for her first win this year after crashing out in the first round in six events. Like Bunyawi, Nicha too was busy with studies and was not fully prepared for the season.
 “I’ve spent many years studying and at the same time playing professional tennis. I had much work to complete this year and I’m close to getting my degree,” said the Hospitality Management student of Dusit Rajabhat University.  The 25-year-old national Fed Cup player had 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 everything went my way. I always play well here even though my game doesn’t suit the surface. Winning my first match after many months has really helped my confidence,” said Nicha, who will meet Sara Tomic of Australia in the second round.
Fellow Fed Cup team-mate Peangtarn Plipuech also advanced to the second round after losing the first set tamely to beat Tammachan Momkhoonthod 3-6 6-1 6-0. Patcharin Cheapchandej, one of the in-form Thai players, also recovered from a first set loss to oust China’s Guo Shanshan 3-6 6-4 6-2. Nudnida Luangnam joined them with a 4-6 6-1 6-2 win over Varunya Wongteanchai.