Ankita, Natasha progress in Indonesia with contrasting wins

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Press Trust of India Balikpapan (Indonesia)
Last Updated : May 28 2014 | 4:26 PM IST
Top seed Ankita Raina overcame a shaky start to advance to the second round while Natasha Palha was hardly challenged in her opening match at the USD 25,000 ITF women's event, here today.
Ankita beat fellow Indian and her doubles partner Sharrmadaa Baluu 7-5 6-2 to set up a pre-quarterfinal clash with Japanese Mai Minokoshi.
Natasha got the better of Australian Abbie Myers 6-2 6-3 in her first round match. Another Indian girl advancing was Sneha Padamata, who defeated Australia's Leah Daw 6-3 1-6 6-4.
However, Shweta Rana crashed out of the singles event, following a crushing 1-6 1-6 defeat at the hands of Thailand's fifth seed Nicha Lertpitaksinchai.
India's numero uno singles player Ankita lost her serve early and was trailing 1-4 in the opening set against Sharrmadda but regrouped fast despite losing three service games.
Going with the momentum, Ankita broke her compatriot in third and fifth games to quickly pocket the match in her favour.

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First Published: May 28 2014 | 4:26 PM IST

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