KUCHING: Lavinia Tananta won her second title in as many days after she defeated Jessy Rompies 6-1, 7-5 in an all-Indonesian final during the inaugural Kuching US$10,000 ITF Women’s Circuit professional tennis tournament.This was the fourth ITF pro tournament won this year by Lavinia, who will represent Indonesia in the SEA Games in Laos next month.

The 22-year-old top seed, who won the doubles title on Saturday, was made to work hard by second seed Jessy, 19, in the second set despite easily winning the first in the match played over one hour and 30 minutes.

Lavinia was leading 5-2 when fatigue and loss of concentration allowed Jessy to fight back and forced deuce.

“At that time, my physical level dropped and I lost my concentration probably because of my high tempo style of play.

“When the score was tied at 5-5, I told myself I cannot lose this match. So, I stayed in focus, minimised my mistakes and made sure I kept on winning points to win this title,” she said after the prize presentation ceremony.

According to Lavinia, this was her third win over Jessy in four meetings. Lavinia picked up US$1,800 (RM7,000) for the win while Jessy received US$1,000 (RM4,000).

“After Kuching, I will be flying back to Indonesia for the national championships before preparing myself for the SEA Games,” she said.

About 30 women pros from various countries took part in the tournament, which is the first pro tennis event to take place in Kuching after eight years of hosting world junior competitions.

Yesterday’s prize presentation was graced by Land Development Minister and tennis fan Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.

Organising chairman and Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) president Patrick Liew said the tournament was the best way to cap this year’s calendar of events organised by SLTA.

The SLTA Clubhouse at Jalan Crookshank here has been the venue for more than 10 international, national and state-level competitions this year.

“By having our first professional tournament, we have ended the year on a high note.

“Now we can rest before we get busy again next year,” he added.