SINGAPORE — South Korean tennis player Kim Yu-jin has claimed her first professional singles title, winning the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Singapore Tournament with a prize pool of $15,000. In the final match on Sunday, Kim, ranked 893rd in the world, defeated Japan's Haruna Arakawa (532nd) with a score of 2-0 (7-6<7-3> 6-4).

Kim expressed her gratitude to her coach, Jung Hwi-jin, and her sponsors through her management company, Drench. "I was nervous because I had lost to this player last week, but thanks to Coach Jung Hwi-jin's meticulous strategy and encouragement, I was able to stay steady," Kim said. "I am also grateful to the Chungnam Provincial Office and my equipment sponsor, Yonex."

The victory is a significant milestone for the rising star, as it marks her first professional singles championship. The win will also likely improve her world ranking.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]