Unseeded Russian Irina Khromacheva continued her fine run, scoring an upset victory 6-4, 7-5 over second seed and last year’s runner-up Dalila Jakupovic of Slovenia, to enter the singles final of the L&T Mumbai Open WTA $125K Series event, organized by MSLTA and CCI and played at the CCI courts, here, on Saturday.
Irina Khromacheva in action against Dalila Jakupovic in a semi-final round of the L&T Mumbai Open Series event, organized by MSLTA and CCI and played at the CCI courts
The title clash will pit her against Thailand’s Luksika Khumkhum, the fifth seed, who ended the campaign of 6th seed Russian Margarita Gasparyan, winning 6-2, 6-4
It was Dalila who made a positive start against Irina, holding serve and then breaking her in the second game to lead 3-0 after another hold. However, Irina broke back in a hard-fought fifth game which saw Dalila defending two break points before losing serve. Irina held her serve and broke Dalila again to lead the set 4-3. She sent across some powerful serves including 2 aces to hold 5-3. Irina then held her serve again to win the first set 6-4
The second set was similar to the first with Dalila breaking Irina early to take a 3-0 lead. Irina broke back, trailing after the 4th game. Dalila again served well to hold her service game taking the lead to 4-1. Irina broke back in the 6th game and held her serve in the 7th, trailing 3-4. Dalila broke her back to extend the lead to 5-3. Judgment errors from Dalila ensured Irina broke her back again and held her serve to make it 5-5 all. Irina took the lead for the first time in the second set, breaking Dalila to lead 6-5 and then served out for the match.
Khumkhum, who accounted for top seed Zheng in the quarter-finals was in control of her match against Margarita, who was hampered by injury.
“I was playing well today. Margarita was injured so she was not 100 per cent,” said Khumkhum.
“She is a big server and changed her strategy with me. For tomorrow’s match I want to take care of my body and take as much rest as possible,” Khumkhum added.
Semi-Final Result:
Irina Khromacheva (Rus) bt Dalila Jakupovic (SLO) 6-4, 7-5; Luksika Kumkhum (THA) bt Margarita Gasparyan (RUS) [6] 6-2, 6-4; Bibiane Schoofs (NED)/ Barbora Stefkova (CZE) [4] bt Olga Danliovic (SRB)/ Danka Kovinic (MNE) 3-6, 7-6(10-8)