Hua Hin: Former world No.1 Garbine Muguruza and Chinese star Peng Shuai had another chance to get in touch with Thai culture when they took part in a ceremony to give alms to monks early yesterday morning.
Both players are in the seaside resort town to participate in the WTA International Series US$250,000 Thailand Open, which will be held from tomorrow to Sunday at True Arena Hua Hin.
The Spanish ace said: "This is the first time that I have given alms to monks, so it is a new experience for me.
"I have been here for two days and am feeling very happy, enjoying the Thai hospitality. Hua Hin is a beautiful city and the weather here is really good. The food here is also delicious."
Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam winner who is now ranked No.18 in the world, is the top seed and is hoping to put her career back on track with a morale-boosting victory in Hua Hin.
The Spaniard has a tricky assignment in the first round where she faces former world No.12 Sabine Lisicki of Germany who has been granted a wildcard entry.
The qualifying battles for places in the 32-strong main draw started yesterday at the same venue.
Thailand's top bet for the title will be Luksika Kumkhum, currently No.67 in the WTA rankings.
However, Luksika has been drawn to face a tough opponent, Zhang Shuai of China.
Zhang is No.40 in the singles rankings and is fresh from claiming her first doubles Grand Slam title after teaming up with Australia's Samantha Stosur.
The unseeded pair of Zhang and Stosur upset defending Australian Open doubles champions Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic 6-3, 6-4 at Melbourne Park on Friday.
Matches will be televised live by True Tennis HD and True HD channels.
Tickets are available at www.ticketmelon.com and www.thaiticketmajor.com or at all Thai Ticket Major outlets.
