Grace challenges top seed Jessy in Cigna final

The women's draw in the 2009 Cigna Open tennis tournament yielded surprises when young Grace Sari Ysidora slipped into the slot to challenge top seed Jessy Rompies in Sunday's finals.

The 15-year-old Grace earned her first finals spot in the annual event after upsetting Indonesian Fed Cup team member and second seed here Beatrice Gumulya 6-3, 6-1 in Saturday's semifinals. On another court, Jessy was gifted the final berth when her opponent Mia Sacca pulled out due to illness.

Third seed Grace, who beat Jessy in last year's Garuda Tennis Masters national tournament in December, said: "My chances to win over Jessy are fifty-fifty."

She said determination and concentration were key in beating Jessy in the past. "If I can maintain my focus and perform well, at least like today (Saturday), I'm confident I can beat her."

During her semifinal match, Grace, ranked 7 nationally, cleverly wrested the initiative from Beatrice's error-ridden game. With consistent game, Grace kept up the pace to round up the first set to 6-3 before overpowering her opponent in the second set 6-1.

Beatrice made up for her disappointing showing in the doubles. Pairing with Jessy, they beat Bella Destriana and Cynthia Melita 6-4, 6-4.

In the men's draw, fifth seed Nesa Artha continued to take scalps. After eliminating third seed Prima Simpatiaji on Friday, he fought back from a set down to beat defending champion and second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati 3-6, 6-2, 6-0.

Nesa goes up Sunday against top seed Christopher Rungkat, who ousted veteran and fourth seed Andrian Raturandang 6-1, 6-3.

Christoper and Nesa will also feature in the doubles final against Andrian Raturandang and Bonit Wiryawan. The former two defeated Agung Bagus Dewantoro and Enrico Satria 6-4, 6-4; Andrian and Bonit earned their finals spot after ousting David Agung Susanto and Febi Widhianto 6-1, 6-2.