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Published on November 29, 2004
Courtesy : The NATION, Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

Russia’s rising young star Anna Chakvetadze tamed crowd favourite Tamarine Tanasugarn 7-5 6-2 with her power game to keep a perfect 2-0 record against the Thai on the final day of the Paradorn Super Tour at the Laguna Beach Resort Hotel in Phuket yesterday.

Tamarine was trapped at the baseline most of the time due to the powerful deep groundstrokes from her teenage opponent. The Thai was also challenged by several drop shots which she failing to retrieve most of the time.

It was her second defeat to the 17-year-old within a week following the 6-3 6-2 loss in the Pattaya leg of the series on Thursday.

“Even though I lost, I think I played better than in Pattaya. I was just out of practice and was not fit enough,” admitted the 27-year-old Tammy. However, she did have some kind words to say about the young Russian.

“She is talented. I think she is going to be a good player in the future,” the Thai added. Tamarine ended the season ranked at 66 and expects to climb up the rankings next year.

“I have talked to my coach [Panomkorn Pladchunil] and we agreed that we will focus on fitness for next year. I have to move fast to keep up with all these big-hitters,” Tamarine said of her preparations for next year.

The 84th-ranked Chakvetadze, who upset countrywoman Anastasia Myskina in the second round of the US Open this year, was overjoyed to defeat the Thai No 1 twice in her first trip to the Kingdom.

“I was happy to win again. It’s been a great holiday for me here and the people are nice,” said the Russian, who might return in January for a WTA event in Pattaya.

Down a break at 0-2, Chakvetadze started to get her momentum going and unleashed a series of winners to take three games in a row to go 3-2 up. But to the fans’ surprise, she served three double faults in a row to give the break back to the Thai.

A brief bout of nerves from the teenager paved the way for Tamarine to lead 4-3. But whenever Chakvetdaze’s strokes found their range, they caused damage to the Thai, who could do nothing but watch the winners pass her by.

They traded service breaks until the Russian regained the lead at 6-5 after Tamarine missed an easy forehand volley. The Thai had double break back opportunities, but lost the game and the set 7-5 after netting a backhand.

There was nothing the Thai could do as the Russian dominated play from the baseline in the second set. Tamarine lost three service games and handed the second straight victory to her rival.

In the men’s doubles, German Nicholas Kiefer and Rick Leach of the United States beat Paradorn Srichaphan and his brother Thanakorn 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

Paradorn later paired up with Tamarine in one set of mixed doubles and beat Kiefer and Chakvetadze 7-6 (7-3).