Published on January 13, 2006

Danai Udomchoke and Tamarine Tanasugarn marched into the second round of the Australian Open qualifying yesterday, but Suchanan Viratprasert failed in her attempt to emulate them. Third-seeded Danai, attempting to earn a maindraw spot in Melbourne for the first time, and 11th-seeded Tamarine cleared their first round hurdles in contrasting styles. Danai was pushed to the limit before outlasting teenager Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine, while Tamarine made quick work of American Abigail Spears.

Ranked 121, Danai recovered from a first set loss to pip the inspired 19-year-old Ukrainian 2-6 6-3 8-6. Tamarine showed no sign of rust despite a lack of match play for more than a month, picking off Spears 6-2 6-4.

But the unfortunate news for Thai fans was the early exit of Suchanan who went down to 20th-seed Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan 3-6 2-6. The Thai was unable to maintain her supremacy over the Taiwanese whom she beat in their two previous encounters.

“He played unbelievably in the first set. So I tried to move him around and not make mistakes in the second set. Then he started missing and I just won crucial points,’’ said Danai who will play American Glenn Weiner in the second round today.

“I have to play a serve and volleyer in the second round. I have to return well and not make easy mistakes,’’ added Danai.

Tamarine, who reached the second round last year, will play Dutchwoman Elise Tamaela, a 7-5 6-3 winner over Shayna McDowell of Australia, in today’s second round.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation

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