Five Thai tennis players have been awarded singles wildcards for the upcoming WTA Thailand Open, according to tournament director Paradorn Srichaphan. The tournament, set to be held in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, features two Thai players in the main singles draw: Lanlana Tararudee, ranked 187th in the world, and Thasaporn Naklo, currently ranked 333rd.
Additionally, three more Thai players have secured wildcards for the qualifying round. Boonyawi Thamchaiwat, ranked 971st, Thai-Russian Viera Deeperm, and 17-year-old national player Kamonwan Yodpetch will compete for a spot in the main draw.
“It is with great pleasure that five Thai players have been granted an opportunity to play in the Thailand Open after discussions between the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Proud Group, and Arena Hua Hin,” Srichaphan said in a statement.
Mananchaya Sawangkaew, ranked 188th, has also earned a place in the qualifying round based on her world ranking, bringing the total number of Thai players participating to six.
Srichaphan, a former world No.9, expressed his hope that local fans would come out to support the home-grown talent throughout the tournament.
Among the international competitors, former champion Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine has confirmed her participation in the event, which offers a prize pool of $267,082 (approximately 10 million baht).
The WTA 250 tournament will take place from September 14-22 at Arena Hua Hin, with the qualifying rounds starting tomorrow and the main draw competition commencing on Monday. The event will be broadcast live on Channel 5 and TrueSport 2, 3, and 7. Tickets are available for purchase at Arena Hua Hin, with further information available by calling 032-909-633.
