Martina Sucha sends top-seeded Marion Bartoli packing in the second round of the Pattaya Women’s Open yesterday.

More energetic, concentrated and consistent, the lean Slovak - ranked No 98 in the world - wore down her two-handed opponent in a contest which featured long and exhilarating back-court rallies.

The unexpected exit of the 25th-ranked Bartoli came two days after the tournament lost second seed Maria Kirilenko of Russia, who was knocked out by Australia's Nicole Pratt in the opening round.

"I knew her game. She is a good baseline player. If I can move her around I can dictate the points," said Sucha, who extended her career head-to-head record over Bartoli to 2-0. The other victory was by 6-0 7-5 in Indian Wells in 2004.

Next up for Sucha is Sybille Bammer, who has a perfect 5-0 record against the Slovak.

"The last time I played her was in Quebec. She is a tough player. She is a left-hander, which will make it a bit difficult for me," said Sucha.

Pratt and Tzipora Obziler from Israel also charged into the quarter-finals as they defied challenges from younger foes yesterday.

Thirty-three-year-old Pratt had no trepidation when she took on reigning Bangkok Open champion Vania King of the United States, taking only 71 minutes to reach her first quarter-final in the beach city with a straight-sets victory 6-2 6-4.

Qualifier Obziler, who is the same age and in great shape, surrendered the first set to Japan's eighth-seeded Aiko Nakamura 3-6, but stormed back to win 3-6 6-1 6-1.

Pratt is no longer the player she was a few years ago, but is capable of counter-punching with hard-hit shots both on the forehand and backhand. She traded fierce backhand rallies with the 18-year-old American and ended up winning point after point. "I've worked hard to have a good mix-up with my backhand. In the past I would just slice and hit high spin, but now I can hit spins and take my opponents out of rhythm," said the Australian, who is based in Orlando in Florida.

The veteran exploited a flurry of unforced errors from King to lead 5-2 before a hiccup slowed her down. She lost the next two games, but Lady Luck took her side in the end.

"I knew she ran well from side to side, so I made her hit the ball from the middle, " added Pratt, who explained that her fondness for the Pattaya atmosphere contributed to her impressive form.

"I had a hectic summer in Australia and wanted to come here and relax," said the Australian, who - no matter how much she fancies a relaxing time here - has no plan to join today's Larn Island boat trip held for players and family by organisers.

Sixth-seeded Gisela Dulko of Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals without breaking a sweat, as her second-round opponent Alicia Molik of Australia had to withdraw with a hamstring injury.

In the doubles, China's Ji Chun-mei and Sun Tian-tian beat Ukraine's Yuliana Fedak and Russia's Anastasia Rodionova 6-2 6-1. Croatia's Jelena Kostanic Tosic and Slovak Jarmila Gajdosova edged out Russia's Vasilisa Bardina and Italy's Romina Oprandi 6-3 3-6 11-9. Pratt and Italian Mara Santangelo beat China's Sun Shengnan and Shuai Zhang 6-2 6-3.

Henin struggles

In Paris, Top seed Justine Henin shook off the ring rust to earn a come from behind 3-6 6-2 6-2 victory over Frenchwoman Emilie Loit at the Paris Indoor Open on Wednesday.

Henin was playing for the first time since mid-November and since splitting from her husband last month.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation

PATTAYA