Did Mananchaya Sawangkaew Win Her First Singles Title in Mumbai?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Feb 8 (NationPress) It was a moment of triumph for Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew at the fifth edition of the Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series on Sunday. The 23-year-old, who was the runner-up in the singles draw last year, achieved her first Mumbai Open title by defeating 17-year-old Lilli Tagger in the final held at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA).
The Thai athlete earned 125 points along with a grand prize of $15,500, while the runner-up received 81 points and $8,400 in prize money. In the doubles category, Elena Pridankina and Polina Iatcenko emerged as champions, claiming 125 points and a top prize of $6,000, with the runners-up taking home 81 points and $4,300.
The singles match began with both competitors fiercely contesting the opening set. Last year’s runner-up eventually struck first, securing a vital break at 4-4, and went on to capture the first set. Despite Tagger's valiant effort in the second set, the Austrian fell just short as Mananchaya triumphed with a score of 6-4, 6-3 after an hour and 25 minutes.
Later that day, the doubles final proved to be an intense affair, with last year’s champion Elena Pridankina clinching her second consecutive Mumbai Open doubles title, this time alongside Polina Iatcenko. The duo overcame Mananchaya Sawangkaew and Nicole Fossa Huergo in a thrilling tiebreaker, winning 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, (10-5) to be crowned as doubles champions.
Earlier on Saturday, the first semifinal was a rematch of last year's quarterfinals featuring Mananchaya Sawangkaew and Lanlana Tararudee. In a back-and-forth contest, the latter took an early lead in the first set but faltered in the second. However, Mananchaya rallied back to seal her spot in the finals with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 after an hour and 53 minutes.
In the second semifinal, seventh seed Lilli Tagger continued her unbeaten streak in the tournament, securing a straight-sets victory against Fangran Tian. The 22-year-old Chinese player, unseeded in the tournament, displayed a spirited performance yet ultimately fell short as the 17-year-old Austrian won 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) to earn her place in the final.
Results:
Singles Final:
Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) bt Lilli Tagger (AUT): 6-4, 6-3
Doubles Final:
Elena PridankiPolina Iatcenko bt Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA)/Nicole Fossa Huergo (ARG): 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, (10-5)