Bookmark this page to:        
Current rating: 0 (0 ratings)
Zvonareva Hopes Her Game Heats Up in Thailand
By Erik Gudris Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve
.aspx)
(February 6th, 2012) While some of the WTA are over in chilly Paris, players seeking a warmer climate headed to Thailand for this week's PTT Pattaya Open. The field includes an intriguing mix of stars who are all looking for an early season boost after notching so-so efforts in Melbourne last month.
If anyone could use a lift, it's top seed Vera Zvonareva who despite remaining in the top ten hasn't shown the form of late that took her to two Major finals in 2010. Zvonareva has to like her chances this week as she's won the event twice in a row before being stopped in last year's semifinals by eventual champion Daniela Hantuchova who's back again to defend her title.
The tournament's official website lists Maria Kirilenko as a "Russian beauty" and though few will deny that, Kirilenko is one of those players that can beat anybody on a given day especially if she gets her potent net game in gear. Dominika Cibulkova makes her debut at the event as the No. 2 seed and will take on Anne Keothavong part of Great Britain's successful Fed Cup this past weekend. Her fellow teammates Laura Robson and Heather Watson are also here along with Vania King who is the lone American in the draw.
Finally, a slew of Asian players are hoping for a good run this week including Auckland winner Jie Zheng, local veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn and, of course, the ageless wonder Kimiko Date-Krumm who is always capable of pulling off a shock upset in an early round.
The Pattaya Open is a WTA International event with total purse of U.S.$220,000. 280 ranking points and U.S.$30,000 go to the winner.
|