Sonal breaks into top 100

In the final at Zambia, Sonal defeated top-seeded African Patricia Osedumme, ranked 111, 6-3, 6-1. It followed two good finishes in Grade III events in Blantyre, Malawi, where she won, and Harare Zimbabwe, where she finished runner-up to Anat Elazari of Israel.

The victories have fallen in with Sonal8217;s state plans: To muster enough points to make it to the main draw of Grade A events, the Grand Slams. 8220;I decided to skipthe Junior Nationals to participate in these events. The points will definitely help me qualify for the Grand Slams.8221; The only other Indian girl in the top 100 is Sheetal Gautham, ranked 89.

Though the Greece ITF circuit is the next event on the calendar, Sonal will give it a miss to get into shape for the East Asian circuit 8212; Chinese Taipei, China and Vietnam 8212; in late October. She will also contest the Shriram Open, the all-India women8217;s hardcourt event in Delhi.

While the junior circuit offers points 8212; and Sonal notched 150 to take her tally to 260 8212; there is no prize money. Sonal8217;s mother, elated with her daughter8217;s performance, said, 8220;We would like to send her for more tournaments, but it is prohibitively expensive. We are looking for sponsors for her.8221;