Czechs too good for local girls
[TENNIS] The visiting Czech Republic team dashed the hopes of 1,500 fans at the Rama Gardens Hotel courts yesterday by thrashing Thailand 4-1 in their Fed Cup World Group II tie.
The star-studded Czech squad, who were level at 1-1 with Thailand on Saturday, came back strong yesterday to win the reverse singles and doubles to earn a berth in July's World Group Play-offs. The Czech demolition began with birthday girl and world No 15 Nicole Vaidisova, who committed a bunch of uncharacteristic errors in the first set but still ousted Suchanan Viratprasert 3-6 6-2 6-0 on the day she turned 18. The 33rd ranked Klara Koukalova, a replacement for Iveta Benesova, triggered the triumph for her side by beating 20-year-old Monthinee Tangphong 6-2 7-6 (7-5) in the fourth rubber, which was over in one hour and 25 minutes. The Czech Republic won the tie regardless of the doubles match, where Benesova and Barbora Strycova downed Napaporn Tongsalee and Nudnida Luangnam 6-2 6-3. The 195th ranked Suchanan made the audience believe she was capable of pulling off a miracle win by trading shots with the heavy-hitting Thailand Open champion and winning the first set 6-3 and then leading 2-1 in the second. But from then on Vaidisova's explosive groundstrokes began to find their range. The Czech teenager reeled off 11 games in a row as the Thai lost steam. "I couldn't hit the ball with the same power I did in the first set, which gave her opportunities to attack. I couldn't move fast enough in the end,'' said Suchanan, who lost her second Fed Cup match in two years. "What I have to fix in my game is to be physically tough and be consistent throughout a match. If you miss only one point, they will be inspired to come back,'' added Suchanan, who also lost to Vaidisova here last year. Vaidisova, who jumped to a career high ranking of No 13 earlier this year, was nowhere near her best at the start, but was convinced she could find a way back. "I was out of rhythm and she started strong in the first set. But I remained positive and kept fighting and she was physically tired and could not run anymore,'' said Vaidisova, who wanted to celebrate her birthday by flying home. The Czech Republic will compete against one of the World Group I losers in the World Group Play-offs in July.
Lerpong Amsa-ngiam The Nation
|
