Tangphong wins Indonesia Women's Circuit Title

Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Montinee Tangphong of Thailand defeated eighth seed Indonesian Liza Andriyani 6-4, 6-1 in the final to win the second round of the US$10,000 Indonesia Women's Circuit tennis tournament at the Hilton tennis courts on Saturday.

Tangphong raced ahead in the first set to a 5-2 lead. However, in the eighth game Liza won a service break and closed the gap to 5-4. Liza delivered difficult and clever slices, frustrating Tangphong effectively. Unfortunately, Liza's effort seemed to drain her own stamina, a condition that Tangphong immediately took advantage of to eventually force Liza to swallow a 6-4 loss.

Tangphong won the title, which is part of the professional women's ITF Satellite tournament, at 6-1 in the second set. Tangphong won the top prize of $1,600, while runner-up Liza took home $1,000.

However, in the doubles final, teaming up with Diana Julianto of Indonesia, Liza seemed to have forgotten her fatigue as she played well and defeated compatriot pair Sandy Gumulya/Wukirasih Sawondari 6-3, 6-3.

Liza/Diana played the first set very loose and smooth, contrary to their opponents, who often made unnecessary mistakes. In the second set, fourth seed pairs Liza/Diana easily reached a 4-1 lead, which they closed convincingly at 6-3.

After the match, Liza admitted that Tangphong was giving her best performance, while Liza was not on top form.