Published on May 01, 2005

Rising star Nudnida Luangnam reached her first ITF final yesterday as she recovered from a second-set lapse to edge out Taiwanese Hwang I-husuan in three sets in the US$10,000 (Bt395,000) Jakarta Women’s Circuit.

The fourth-seeded Nudnida, whose best run in an ITF was a semi-final here last year, won the first set 7-5, lost the second 2-6 but bounced back in the decisive set to win 6-3 in the semi-final.

But another talented Thai, Pichittra Thongdach, failed to emulate her countrywoman as she could not match the experience of third-seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti of Indonesia in the other semi-final.

Nudnida, who is trained by ex-national champion and Tamarine Tanasugarn’s coach Panomkorn Pladchuanil, plays the title match against Damayanti today.

Thailand also have a pair in the doubles final as Orawan Lamangthong and Sawondari Wukirasih beat Kim Ji-young and Cho A-jeong of South Korea 6-3 6-1.

THE NATION

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