Lehnert settles for runner-up honors in Thailand ITF
Second seed Filipino-German Katharina Lehnert lost to Chinese Li Yixuan in the final
of the USD10,000 International Tennis Federation (ITF)-Thailand Women’s Pro Circuit
at the Hua Hin True Arena on Sunday.
The world’s No. 515 Lehnert, who was born in Brauschweig City in the state of Lower
Saxony in Germany, dominated the first set but the unseeded Chinese fought back
to win the match, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
It was the first title for Li, who lost to Australian Abbie Myers in the final of
the ITF-Egypt Circuit two years ago.
The 19-year-old Li received the champion’s purse worth USD1,568 while Lehnert got
USD980 as runner-up.
On her way to the final, Li eliminated No. 4 compatriot Zhao Di in the first round,
6-3, 7-6 (4), No. 5 Thai Bunyawi Thamchaiwat in the quarterfinal, 1-6, 6-4, 6-2,
and No.6 Nudnida Luangnam of Thailand in the semifinal, 7-6 (6), 6-4.
Lehnert, who is playing in her 22nd tournament this year, has won four singles titles
and three doubles titles since turning professional in 2008. She is a member of
the RP Federation Cup team.
Source: www.manilatimes.net