PTT PATTAYA OPEN – Tennis news

Written by: Staff on 12th February 2012

Results – Sunday, February 12, 2012

Singles – Final

(3) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (4) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 67(4) 63 63

Doubles – Final

(1) Mirza/Rodionova (IND/AUS) d. (4) H.Chan/Y.Chan (TPE/TPE) 36 61 108 (Match TB)

Final Facts

– Hantuchova wins her fifth WTA title and is now 5-9 in WTA finals, this being the first time she successfully defended a title.

– Kirilenko falls to 5-5 in WTA finals. Six of those finals have been in Asia, and she is 3-3 in those.

– Hantuchova is now 14-3 on the year, with her best previous result being a runner-up showing to kick off the season in Brisbane.

– The first set of the final was the first set Hantuchova lost in 10 career matches in Pattaya City, having not dropped a set en route to the title last year and none this year until Sunday.

– Hantuchova now leads Kirilenko in their head-to-head series, 5-2.

– The 3-hour, 14-minute final was the longest match of the tournament.

– Kirilenko overcame a match point in the first round and a 5-2 third set deficit in the second round.

– Mirza and Rodionova were playing together for the first time this week. Mirza now has 13 WTA doubles titles to her name, Rodionova four.

Final Quotes

Daniela Hantuchova: “I’m happy to defend my title – it was the first time I defended a title in my career, but it’s better late than never! Maria and I both wanted to win the title today. She played so well and put a lot of pressure on me. Even after I lost the first set I kept fighting and never looked back, and I think I was also luckier tonight. Maria is a great player and a great person too.

“I always play well under good conditions and surroundings. I feel comfortable playing in Pattaya City. I love the weather, the courts are in the hotel and near the beach, and the people are all so nice here.”