Nina Bratchikova dumps Nudnida Luangnam in the first round – Royal Indian Open 2012
Top seeded Russian contender, Nina Bratchikova, registered a convincing victory over the Thai underdog, Nudnida Luangnam, in the opening round of the Royal Indian Open in Pune, India. The 85th ranked Russian took one
hour and 46 minutes to wrap up victory in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, advancing into the pre-quarter-final rounds of the inaugural WTA Challenger Series event.
The 27-year-old veteran had to face limited resistance from the Thai contender, who lagged behind Bratchikova in every segment of the game. The Russian adopted an aggressive approach right from the start and kept belting assertive
winners all the way through to victory. Bratchikova was further assisted buy the error-prone game play from her opponent and she fully capitalized on her mistakes to come out as the deserving winner.
"It was a tough match and I am happy to get the win in the end," Bratchikova cited in her post-match reviews. "I really like it here in India. I've been here quite a few times before, the weather suits my game and it is easy for
me to adjust."
The opening set had a steady start from both sides, as the two competitors tried to gain some early advantage over one another. No break point was witnessed in the opening nine games and both rivals kept holding their serves all
the way, dragging the score line on even terms. Luangnam frittered away four priceless break opportunities and the top seeded Russian did exactly the same. It was the 10th game when Bratchikova delivered her first blow by breaking her opponent on
the most crucial moment and sealed the first set 6-4 in her favour.
She carried on her impetus in the following set and broke early to attain a 3-1 lead. Luangnam retaliated in the seventh game to cut the deficit but the top seeded Russian immediately reinstated her control over the contest by
breaking her opponent in the very next game. Bratchikova had no difficulty in serving out of the match at 5-3.
The top seed contestant will face off against Olga Savchuk from Ukraine in the second round battle later this week.
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