Luksika on a hot run heading to Hua Hin
Hua Hin - Luksika Kumkhum is hoping that her recent top form will take her far in the US$125,000 ,EA Hua Hin tennis Championship, which got underway at the True Arena Hua Hin yesterday.
Currently at No 124, Luksika has won two back-to-back US$25,000 events here at the beach town and in Nonthaburi before completing her hat-trick with the SEA Games singles gold medal in Malaysia.
As a qualifier, she upset several good players, including Sorana Cirstea of Romania to reach the semi-finals of the WTA Korea Open where she took French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko to three sets before losing the semi-finals.
She also upset world top player Elena Vesina of Russia to reach the second round of the WTA Hong Kong Open.
With such impressive form, the Thai ace hopes to take that momentum into an event which offers the biggest overall prize money in Thailand this year.
“I have been in great form and I want to stay in the tournament as long as possible. I haven’t competed anywhere [for almost a month since Hong Kong] as I want to stay fresh for Hua Hin,” said Luksika, who has been drawn to face Hungarian qualifier Fanny Stollar in her opening game this afternoon.
“Anyone at this level is tough. As for my first round opponent, you cannot underestimate her as she has won two qualifying matches. I have to be really ready,” said Luksika.
Kenia Lynkina
In the first round matches yesterday, top seed and world No 45 Wang Qiang of China was knocked out by Russian world No 305 Kenia Lynkina 5-7 6-3 4-6, while Ipek Soylu of Turkey beat Naomi Brady of Great Britain 6-4 7-5.
