Upset minded Pol faces Wishaya in final
Former Thai No 1 Pol Wattanakul defied medical condition to beat national David Cup player Kittipong Wachiramanowong 6-3 6-2 and set up a final showdown with current top player Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul in the Singha Thailand Masters at the Impact Tennis Academy.
The former world No 716, who lost six kilos in two months due to gastro and lactose allergy, upset the inform Kittipong in the semifinals while Wishaya used his power game to eliminate doubles specialist Sonchat Ratiwatana 6-4 7-6 (7-5).
Pol, who changed his name from Singekrawee and Puriwat to bring luck and success, had been out of the circuit for two months due to sickness. He entered the tournament without much expectations. It turned out to be the best decision he had made. He played tennis without any pressure on his shoulders and success followed.
Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul
“I vomit quite often and my weight dropped from 65 to 59 kilos,” said Pol, who looks a bit gangly after the weight drop. “I could hit balls for only 40 minutes a day, four days a week. Though I’m not well, I really enjoyed playing this week. I took risks and everything I hit was in,” said the 21-year-old, who drops below top 2,000 because of dismal results this year.
Pol had beaten Wishaya two years ago and has no fear of facing the current No 1.
“I have come further than I had expected. I have nothing to lose. I only gain from now on” he said.
Bunyawi Thamchaiwat
In the women’s semi-finals, defending champion Bunyawi Thamchaiwat beat Chompootip Jandakate 6-1 6-2 to set up a rematch with Varunya Wongteanchai, whom she beat in the group stage. Varunya won the match against Kamonwan Buayam, who retired with dizziness despite leading at 6-3 3-2.
“I beat her a few days ago so I know how to play her. She is quite unrelenting. I need to be really patient and go for my shots when I should,” said the 18-year-old Bunyawi.
Pruchya and Nuttanon
In the men's doubles finals, Pruchya Isarow and Nuttanon Kadchapanan, pairing up again after a long split, beat Patcharapol Kawin and Phassawit Buraparitta 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-1) 10-5 to claim the title. Kamonwan and Tamachan Momkoontod beat Peangtarn Plipuech and Chompoothip Jandakate 4-6 6-4 10-7 to win the women's doubles trophy.
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Kamonwan and Tamachan
