SF: (1) Naomi Broady WR 222 beat (3) Marina Shamayko (RUS) WR 351 (CH 317 in Sep) by 4 & 2

FINAL: (1) Naomi Broady WR 222 v Vitalia Diatchenko (RUS) WR 478 (CH 105 in 2009)

H2H 0-1 - Diatchenko won 7-6(5) 6-4 in QR1 at Wimbledon in 2009.

Diatchenko was out for two years between Oct 2011 and Oct 2013 apart from a run of 3 tournaments in the summer of 2012, hence her low ranking at the moment. Her results since coming back have been mixed to say the least - she started off just playing doubles then played singles at a 50K in Ankara just before Christmas and won it. However, her first match this year was a 3-set loss to Amy Bowtell in Sunderland, she then lost 2 & 3 to Pironkova in Doha qualies, went a set up against the same player in Doha qualies only to have to retire 0-5 down in the 3rd, then beat Sadikovic in Preston before losing to Sibille in R2. This week, she has won all four of her matches in straight sets, all 6-3 or better.

Thing is CD, as far as I can see there was only one ITF tournament above 10K this week and that was in Brazil, so I guess the view was some points as an insurance counter better than no points.  Also, Sharm is quite cheap and a pleasant climate for a week.

Don't know how many weeks there are like this.  Last week had 2 x 25s and 1 x 50 but only 1 of them was in Europe.  Next week only has 1 x 25 again and that is in the States.  I know there is probably a need for the most tournaments to be at the lowest level, but this distribution would seem to make it hard for the improving women to plan a sensible schedule.  Also, when there are so few 25s or higher on offer, they are probably rammed with players who should be playing 50s or 75s pushing the 'true' 25K players off the acceptance list.

Oh, I completely agree Opti. It was no criticism of her choice at all. As I said, good for match practice, a cheque, confidence (as long as you do well!) and a bit of sunshine, so why not . ..

I think one can get too short-term obsessed with points anyhow. It's the big picture that counts and there are many ways to go about it.

Naomi obviously likes playing a lot of tournaments, so go for it, wherever takes her fancy.

There really does seem a case for some 25Ks and above being shifted to earlier in the year.

I recall similar discussions about the lack of tournaments about this time last year, but come the second half of the year they seemed plentiful.

Naomi 3-1 up

Naomi is broken. 3 - 4

and is broken again 4 - 5