Semenistaja breezes past Kudermetova
Darja Semenistaja scotched the hopes of Polina Kudermetova by racing to a 64, 63 victory in the quarterfinals of the L&T Mumbai WTA tennis tournament at the Cricket Club of India on Friday.
It was the second victory for the 21yearold Semenistaja, ranked 120 in the world, over Kudermetova in as many meetings, following the quarterfinal triumph on way to the title last month in Bengaluru.
The 20yearold Kudermetova had the big game, but unlike the way she stepped it up against Sahaja Yamalapalli from the brink of defeat in the earlier round, the wiry Russian was unable to call her best game when needed.
In contrast, Semenistaja, who has already won 15 singles titles in the professional circuit, played strong in letting Kudermetova hurtle to defeat with a flurry of errors in the climax.
In the semifinals, Semenistaja will play Arianne Hartono who was not challenged much by an indisposed Moyuka Uchijima.
With Katie Volynets of USA breezing past luckyloser Sohyun Park, who was unable to find her rhythm, there was not much entertainment for the enthusiasts.
Storm Hunter of Australia conserved her energy, as she had got a walkover from the 16yearold Alina Korneeva owing to ill health.
The Indian interest will be kept alive by Prarthana Thomabre in the doubles semifinals on Saturday. Prarthana’s partner Arianne Hartono has been in good form, and may have to spend a lot of time on court in singles and doubles.
The results: Quarterfinals: Darja Semenistaja (Lat) bt Polina Kuderetova 64, 63; Arianne Hartono (Ned) bt Moyuka Uchijima (Jpn) 63, 43 (retired); Katie Volynets (USA) bt Sohyun Park (Kor) 61, 62; Storm Hunter (Aus) w.o. Alina Korneeva.