Twins serve up fifth title of 2017
Doubles specialists Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana celebrated their 46 th Challenger trophy together on Sunday by beating Americans Austin Krajicek and Jackson Withrow 6-4 5-7 10-5 in the final of the US$150,000 EA Hua Hin Open Challenger at True Arena.
The Thai twins proved superior in their net coverage and compatible teamwork as they took full charge in the super tie-break to win the match in 73 minutes. This year they have together won five Challenger titles including Bangkok, Kyoto, Shenzhen and Kaohsiung). They received a combined winner’s cheque of US$93,000 while the runners-up earned US$54,000.
The siblings will next enter the Australian Open wildcard tournament in China which begins on Wednesday.
In the men’s singles finals, John Millman of Australia outclassed fellow countryman Andrew Whittington
6-2 6-2 for his ninth Challenger title.
The 28-year-old man from Brisbane proved more superior than his compatriot in all aspects as he won the match in just one hour and 23 minutes.
It was Millman’s first Challenger trophy since he won in Lexington 2015. Currently ranked at No 165, Millman received US$21,600 for his win and will surge into the top 130 in the world next week.
Whittington, 24 from Williamstown, has never won a Challenger tournament. He received US$17,000 as runner-up.
