$125K WTA Mumbai Open, Nov. 20-26, 2017

[Daniel]

And she wins! So proud of her for defeating a solid player

[Saniapower]

So Ankita goes thru to next round

[R1] (WC) Ankita Raina (IND,281) d. Veronika Kudermetova (RUS,255) 7-6(2) 6-3

[PKBasu]

Wonderful win for the India #1. This is what a home WTA event is all about! Well done Ankita!!

[sameerph]

Yes, finally a singles win for us in this tournament. Now, this tournament looks a bit worthwhile for us thanks to Ankita and part to Karman-Pranjala in doubles yesterday.

[bujilover]

And she wins! So proud of her for defeating a solid player

#1 for a reason

[jaydeep]

Good win in the singles for Ankita ... Next, she will be facing Thai girl, Plipuech.

[R2] (WC) Ankita Raina (IND,281) vs Peangtam Plipuech (THA,245)

[jayakris]

Rightfully back to #1, right, sameer? Just got up. Lazy to look up.

[sameerph]

Yes, she goes ahead of Karman with this win. I posted in her thread.

The Thai girl Plipuech upset Australian 6th seed in the first round. She is 2-2 against Ankita in head to head so far. But, they have not played in last couple of years. Plipuech has been in very good form this year winning couple of $25K titles. Karman lost to her in 3 close sets early this year. So, this is difficult but not unwinnable match for Ankita.

It is second match tomorrow evening. I will try to go there tomorrow.

[bujilover]

Good thing in facing the Thai is Ankita should know her game having played previously. Advantage, Ankita

[sanjay5goel]

Good thing in facing the Thai is Ankita should know her game having played previously. Advantage, Ankita

Also lucky for Ankita that the Thai does not know her (Ankita's) game

Hare Krishna!

[PKBasu]

Ankita has a 2-2 career head to head record against Plipuech. On Indian soil, Ankita should have the edge this time.

Also I prefer that she is playing Plipuech rather than the 6th seeded Aussie ranked 137.

Although this is called a WTA tour event, it is effectively a high-level Challenger, with prize money of $125K and just one top-100 player in the draw.

[Daniel]

Although this is called a WTA tour event, it is effectively a high-level Challenger, with prize money of $125K and just one top-100 player in the draw.

Yes, in fact, the actual prize money is only 115K, and the ranking points are almost the same as those for the regular ITF 100Ks (Ankita got 15 points for her 1st round win, while those who win a round at a 100K get 14.)

[sameerph]

I am not quite sure of that prize money bit ( 115K vs. 125K). Since Dinesh said it must be a mistake by the organisers I changed the title thread to 125K.

Yes, points are only slightly more than ITF $100+H tournaments. The field at this event is particularly weak compared to most of the other WTA 125K's . For instance last week's 125K in Hua Hin Thailand had 4 top 100 player and seed cut off at 120 as compared to 168 here. Sadly, our players are still not in such a position to take advantage of this field. When we have a couple of players in top 200 and a couple more in 200-250 range this level of tournament is more worthwhile for us, I think.

[Daniel]

I am not quite sure of that prize money bit ( 115K vs. 125K). Since Dinesh said it must be a mistake by the organisers I changed the title thread to 125K.

125K is the "total financial commitment" of the tournament, out of which only 115K is disbursed as prize money. So the series is called 125K (ostensibly to make it sound more attractive) but I'm not sure what happens to the remaining 10K

When we have a couple of players in top 200 and a couple more in 200-250 range this level of tournament is more worthwhile for us, I think.

Yes, in hindsight it would have been better to use this 125K for a series of 5 25K events or a larger number of 15Ks. But maybe Ankita will win another match or two and make it worthwhile...

[meyyis]

[R2] (WC) Ankita Raina (IND,281) vs Peangtam Plipuech (THA,245) : 6-2

Ankita breaks Plipeuch in the sixth game to lead 4-2 in the first set.
Ankita breaks Plipeuch again in the eight game to bag the first set 6-2.