Rudas foils Tanpoco, makes ITF main draw

MANILA, Philippines - Marinel Rudas downed Maika Jae Tanpoco, 6-4, 6-1, yesterday to barge into the main draw in the second PLDT-Smart International Tennis Federation Women’s Circuit at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Rudas, who beat Aileen Rogam, 6-1, 6-4, in the first qualifying day, thus joined four other Filipina bets who earlier gained wild card berths in the main tournament.

They include sisters Anna Christine and Anna Clarice Patrimonio, Tamitha Nguyen and Fil-German Katharina Lehnert.

Clarice skipped last week’s tournament and competed in South Korea where she reached the quarterfinals in the doubles’ event.

The 16-year-old Lehnert, whose mother is a Filipina from La Union, earned a wild card spot following a strong showing in Week 1 where she reached the semis.

“I’m very thankful for the wild card berth because this will give me time to rest,” said Lehnert.

Thailand’s Luksika Kumkhum, who lost last week’s crown to Finnish Piia Suomalainen, slammed Phl’s Marian Jade Capadocia, 6-1, 6-0, while Japan’s Misa Eguchi trounced compatriot Ai Koga, 6-4, 6-0, to likewise advance to the main draw.