India, Thailand join top two for Czech event

AUSTRALIA and China, the top two seeds, as well as India and Thailand qualified for the 2012 World Junior Tennis (WJT) Girls' Championship scheduled for Prostejov, Czech Republic later this year after each won their respective quarter-final matches at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) Centre in Kuching on May 11 Both Australia and China scored 2-0 wins over Japan and South Korea respectively, while fourth-seeded India edged Taiwan 2-1. Thailand, the sixth seeds, ousted New Zealand 2-0. Priscilla Hon got Australia's first point, easily beating Chihiro Muramatsu 6-3, 6-3, but Sara Tomic had a scare before prevailing 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 against Momoko Kobori. China's Ren Jia-Qi was also made to sweat before winning 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 against Um Seong Young. Cao Si-Qi then sealed her team's spot in the last eight with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Bae Do Hee. India had a tougher tie against Taiwan when Himani Mor lost 6-3, 6-3 to Chang Chung-fang, before Pranjala Yadlapalli put the Indians on level terms with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Chien Pei-ju. Pranjala then partnered Vanshika Sawhney to beat Chun-fang and Pei-ju 6-3, 6-1 to ensure an Indian win. Thailand meanwhile continued their good run with Manita Bootsarakomvisit winning their first point beating Chanista Ampornachariya 6-1, 6-1 and Napharat Sawangkaew overcoming New Zealand's Rosie Cheng.