In-form Ankita Raina enters the second round of ITF Japan 2018, $25,000 prize money event. The 14th seed India went past Mai Hontama of Japan 6-1, 7-6(7-3) to book a place in pre-quarter finals. She continued her good run, having given her best shot at the high-profile Dubai Open on the WTA Tour earlier in March, the 25-year-old Raina was then back on the ITF circuit in Gwalior and, thanks to the exposure on the big stage, she comfortably pocketed the title at the $25,000 ITF women’s tournament.
Raina alongside her Taiwanese partner Chan Chin-wei also progressed to the quarter final of women doubles event as they defeated the Japanese pair of Kiko Nishizato/Suzuki Sayato 6-3,6-0. They again face another Japanese pair of Haruka Kaji/Aiko Yashitomi in the quarter finals.
India’s Karman Kaur Thandi will start her campaign against Risa Ushijima of Japan in round of 32 encounter. The match is scheduled from 6:30 AM IST.
