Liza qualifies for Wismilak tourney

Pariama Hutasoit, Contributor, Nusa Dua, Bali

Liza Andriyani became the only Indonesian women's tennis player to move to the first round of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA)-sanctioned Wismilak tournament when she won a qualification match against South Korean Kim Jin-hee, 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 on Saturday.

Three other Indonesians Diana Julianto, Wukirasih Sawondari and Sandy Gumulya failed to reach the first round. Diana lost to Kyung Mi-chang of South Korea (6-0; 6-2), Sawondari lost to Polish player Jaanna Skovich (2-6;6-7) and Russian player Olga Kalyuzhanaya beat other Indonesian Sandy Gumulya (6-1; 6-1).

Two top Indonesian players Wynne Prakusya won a wild card in the first round, while Angelique "Angie" Wijaya, winner of last year's Wismilak tournament, will play against Spanish player Marta Marrero. Wynne will face Henrieta Nagyova from Slovakia in the first round which started on Monday.

Benny Mailili, tennis observer, expected Angie's match to be a cakewalk. Morrero is a clay court specialist, while Angie is strong on the hard court. "Angie has a good opportunity get in the semi-final if she plays vigorously," said Benny.

Angie, on the other hand, had a different opinion. "She is in ranked 95, but she will be very hard to defeat as she has mastered spin balls on clay court," said Angie.

Bali's hot and humid weather should benefit Angie. Not to mention the full support from a local audience, Benny added.

"Therefore, Angie should work hard to win the earlier games otherwise her ranking could drop," warned Benny.

Despite the absence of top players like American Serena Williams, Anna Kournikova from Russia, this year's tournament should be very competitive and interesting, said tournament director Kevin Livesey.

Deddy Tedjamukti, Angie's coach also agreed, saying that this year's tournament had much more quality than the previous one. A lot of good players are playing here in Grand Hyatt's tennis courts in Nusa Dua, Bali until Sept. 29.

Indonesian's top player Angie, 17, now ranked 59th in the world, will likely be threatened by top seed Tamarine Tanasugarn from Thailand, former number one Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and Conchita Martinex both from Spain.