Twins in Second Straight Quarter-finals

[TENNIS] Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana made their second straight ATP quarter-final after they downed fellow countryman Danai Udomchoke and South Korean Lee Hyung-taik 6-4 6-1 in the US$500,000 Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The "Amazing Twins" who last week reached their first ever ATP semi-finals  in Newport are now inside the world doubles top 100 and will climb up higher when the new rankings are updated next week.

"We returned well and had some nice volleys on crucial points," said Sanchai who is ranked No 100, six places below his elder brother.

"It's always tough to play a close friend like Danai and I think he should feel the same. But this is a competition and we have to give our best shot,'' added the doubles specialist who claimed that the semi-final berth last week was a good boost to their confidence.

Next up, they will play fourth-seeded Jordan Kerr of Australia and American Jim Thomas who narrowly edged out American Paul Goldstein and Robert Kendrick 7-5 0-6 10-7. In fact Kerr and Thomas were their practice partners. Hitting the ball with the experienced duo helped sharpen their skills.

"They must be very confident having won the title together in Newport. But we are also playing at the top of our game. It will be an interesting match."

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

Teh Nation