We were able to talk with the organizers and participants of the events: read about how the tournaments were held for the most successful bt players of this year, how athletes from Russia spend time in Thai, and what organizers think about the events.

Chin Kampanatsanyakorn, Thailand (organizer)

BTRUSSIA: Both tournaments this year – Pattaya and Hua Hin we very popular for Russian bt players. How could you explain such a popularity of tournaments among the athletes from Russia?

Chin: I believe that Thailand is a very popular place to visit for the Russians. In Pattaya, we have so many Russians there that many signs are even written in Russian. It is also the wonderful relationship that we have between Thailand and Russia that makes it much easier for the citizens of both countries to visit the other without needing a visa. I'm glad we have such good support from the Russian players; I hope that they enjoy their trip and come back next year for the tournament again.

BTRUSSIA: Last year players from all over the world have said many good things about the organization of tournaments in Thailand. Tell us about tournaments of this year: what's new and exciting the organizers have prepared for the players this time?

Chin: This year we changed the location of the first tournament to Pattaya to get the players to see the different parts of Thailand. In Pattaya, we held the event at Greta Farm which was a private resort that allowed the players to spend more time together.

As for Huahin, we prepared free tickets to the super fight boxing match between a Thai IBF Flyweight champion and a Japanese contender. We were supposed to do more, but couldn't get it done in time, but we will make it even more exciting next year.

BTRUSSIA: Tell us about the features and attractions of the cities in which the tournaments took place.

Chin: Again, in Pattaya there's so many Russians there are many signs written Russian. I guess it's quite convenient for Russians to be in Pattaya because there are so many of them there that it is like their second home. In terms of attractions, there are amusement parks and all kinds of outdoor activities that you can do there apart from going to the beach.

In Huahin, there are many night markets and amusement parks also. However, there's also the Khao Thakiab mountain that are full of monkeys that many people call it the "monkey mountain," which was quite a popular destination for the players.

Again, thank you for all the support from the Russian players that came to our tournament this year. I hope Thailand will remain to be the popular spot for you guys to come back regularly.

Sergey Kuptsov, Russia

BTRUSSIA: Congratulations with the silver in Thai! And once again we wish a recovery for you. Please, tell us a little about Thai events. How do you like the organization of tournaments? Last year players said many good things about these tournaments…

Sergey: The first tournament was held in the city of Pattaya, away from the sea coast in very beautiful place. I really liked the fact that there was no wind and the weather conditions allowed us to show our best game. We were saved from the sun by the sheds and big terrace, as well as by liters of water we drank.

Infrastructure was comfortable: athletes lived in a bungalow next to the courts, so all the energy was spent on games, not on the way to get to. Also we ate at the nice restaurant there. One of the main disadvantages was the lack of good lighting: it is getting dark very quickly in Thai, and the matches could be very unpredictable. Few games were postponed the following day due to bad lighting. And the second minus is only 3 courts. There were no training courts, and the balls flew out to the water all the time, and many players get training balls for the deposit. The players and their skills made this tournament, so I'm overall pleased with the tournament in Pattaya.

However, the second tournament in HuaHin shocked us a little. We remember the place from last year, but even at the entrance to the courts we saw there was nothing from the past: everything was covered with grass, pendulous nets, faded banners, we didn’t even see lines on some courts. The next day right during the matches at the tournament the first category of the World Series people put a simple rope to hold nets... The prize fund 20000 has dropped to 10000, plus 30% tax, but players still spend huge amounts of money and energy, and in some cases loose health, so it seems like are very expensive hobby. Unfortunately, I can't call it a professional tour.

I hope that changes 2016-2017 in the rules of the ITF will bring positive results. I think it took a lot of time for people to understand that beach tennis is a professional sport, like many other sports disciplines. For now we need to think very seriously, I mean everybody: the organizers, ITF representatives and sponsors should think that many high-class players, who made a huge contribution to the development of beach tennis, will finish playing and will just train because today it is more profitable and not so energy-consuming.

Overall the benefits in the organization were more than the minuses. Objectively, I am thankful for the geography tournament, free water and fruit for friendly and kind people, wonderful climate, but the tournaments of the first category should differ primarily by the infrastructure, atmosphere and professionalism.

BTRUSSIA: Of course, all fans are concerned about your health. What happened during the semi-final against the Italians? And how do you feel now?

Sergey: I think we were the favorites in the semifinal match psychologically. It was much better to move for a good flow and attacking players in HuaHin, cuz the sand was very good and bouncy, very similar to Moscow sand. And, of course, this game was matter to us.

At the first tournament in the final match against the same double Calbucci/Cappelletti in the second set we were leading with a break, but could not take our serve, so Calbu and Cappa escaped with small fright. :) Semifinal match in HuaHin, I think, will go down in history: beach tennis matches rarely end because of a serious injury. On this day, we've got a great game, but it was game episode where I get a back injury. I was sure that I would be able to continue the match, but then I could go only by an ambulance. In the hospital I got first aid, but also was supported by our guys: Nick Guriev and Julia Chubarova, who were there with me during the hard time. I want to say THANKS from the heart! I could not stand about 3 hours, and then I find it difficult to walk. After three days I felt much better, but the pain goes away very slowly.

BTRUSSIA: This year at tournaments in Pattaya and Huahine were many Russian athletes. Do you think it is because of the development of the sport or the popularity of this resort? : )

Sergey: I think it's great that more Russian start to play beach tennis. It shows that we have many beach tennis lovers and of course their support here really helped. I am thankful for this too! It is necessary to wish only that the quantity outgrown to quality! We all have something to grow and improve.

BTRUSSIA: What are your plans for the upcoming New Year vacations?

Sergey: Now I have a full sense of the holiday, a wonderful and magical New Year. Really want to relax, and to be with my beloved family.

Michele Cappelletti, Italy

BTRUSSIA: It’s amazing year for you! You became the champion like everywhere – World champ, European champ, now in the final of the season in Thailand to victories. Please tell a little about last tournaments, did you like the tournament conditions?

Micky: The tournament’s conditions were not so nice, but the persons that organized the tournament really took care about the players. Unfortunately was not their fault if the places were not nice.

BTRUSSIA: What was the most interesting game or games for you at these tournaments?

Micky: The most difficult match was against Burmakin and Kuptsov for sure. We won 61 64 in Pattaya and in Hua Hin we were losing 53 when unfortunately Kuptsov had an injury to his back. I hope to see him back soon in the court!

BTRUSSIA: You changed your partners during this year, you played with Matteo in Cervia and Eilat, then Carlitos in Aruba, now Calbu, is it hard to find the right connection on the court with them?

Micky: Yes, I changed many partners this year. I played with Font too in Mauritius in March and we won. But When you play with amazing players like them - it is never difficult to find the right connection. We know each other very well!

BTRUSSIA: What did you like the most in Thai? Maybe some specific landmarks or traditions… Where it was cooler – Pattaya or Hua Hin?

Micky: Thailand is a country that I discove because I have vacation here until the 18th.Thailand has a very interesting and unique culture! That's the thing that I like more. But to be honest I liked more Pattaya...cuz, there were not so many things to do in Hua Hin.

Liudmila Nikoyan, Russia

BTRUSSIA: Ludmila, congratulations on silver in Hua Hin. Tell us a little about Tai? What do you think about the events comparing to the last year?

Ludmila: I guess. That last year everything was at a higher level. Did not like much the place of the first tournament, the work of referee, and matches in the evening under artificial light, that illuminated all but the playing area! The second tournament was already known well and everybody was a little shocked when saw the conditions of the equipment of the courts (nets, lines, sand) – I don’t want to offend the organizers, but we could bring our own nets if it so bad here!

There were no referees, although according to rules semi-finals should have them... Players always confused by losing control of counting and the game could not go until we found out the exact score.

But it nice that we have these tournaments in Thailand in the end of the year, cuz for many it’s kind of mix of business and pleasure.

BTRUSSIA: Of Course, many fans are worried due to the fact that a famous Russian double Perfect Killer is no longer out on the court together. However, in spite of everything, this year with a new partner you got a silver in Hua Hin. Tell us a little about impressions of play with your Estonian partner.

Ludmila: We played one tournament in the spring (Porto) with Anelle, one tournament in the summer (Cervia) and now two tournaments in a row here – and finally found a good connection :) It was not enough in the final, but we have to admit that a double Biglmaier / Diaz is one of the strongest in the world and at the moment and it is incredibly hard to beat them. Anelle is universal player that can play right and left, and as soon as she put a good serve we can write on her t-shirt both words: perfect and killer!

BTRUSSIA: This year at tournaments in Pattaya and Huahin were many Russians. What is the reason?

Ludmila: The reason is the development of beach tennis in St. Petersburg for sure!

BTRUSSIA: What are your plans for the upcoming New Year?

Ludmila: I am going to go skiing in Armenia.

Pairin Panjasilpa, Thailand

BTRUSSIA: Tell us about the features and attractions of the cities in which the tournaments took place. And tell us a little about organization.

Pairin: Last year we had organized both tournament at Phuket & Huahin. But this year we're moved to Pattaya & Huahin. We had good facilities and so many famous tourist spot. Also we tried to support players as much as we can.

BTRUSSIA: Both tournaments this year – Pattaya and Hua Hin we very popular for Russian bt players. How could you explain such a popularity of tournaments among the athletes from Russia?

Pairin: Pattaya is always famous for Russia. Most of tourist in Pattaya are from Russia. We used to it. : )

Julia Chubarova, Russia

BTRUSSIA: I Think all the fans are concerned, what happened in Pattaya? We are all worried about your double. Tell us how you managed with emotions?

Julia: Tournaments in Thailand pointed out to us our weaknesses. Now we need to make decisions and to work on the mistakes.

BTRUSSIA: How would you assess the conditions of the events?

Julia: Conditions were much better last year. That is like, the reality has not met our expectations. The courts were very strict, there is no wind, but heat. Conditions for playing were quite good, but still the tournament in Pattaya was more like a reality show where people are locked in some space for some time. I mean there are 15 minutes by car to civilization, the nearest grocery store 1 km away. The hotel area was completely visible from every place. Everybody was under supervision! : )

BTRUSSIA: How did you prepare for the tournament? And the tournament: in the semifinals you met with one of the most played and successful couples of this season. What are your impressions?

Julia: We played a lot of sparring matches with the players, tried to use the time for maximum. As for the match against Diaz/Biglmaier we played against them for a second time, and the game turned out a lot worse. Apparently after losing to them in Tokyo with the minimum gap in the score, we were overwhelmed by emotions. As a result, we burned out. Find the line game in the second set, but it was too late. I also want to note that Paty and Maraike become stronger with every game, so is very difficult to beat them!

BTRUSSIA: How was the atmosphere in Thailand? Did support of St. Petersburg team help you? : )

Julia: the St. Petersburg team is just on fire!!! It was very nice to play, when with every point we heard the applause. I am very happy that so many our guys went to such big events. It's a great experience that will higher the level and development of beach tennis in St. Petersburg and in the country.

BTRUSSIA: This year you made unrealistic breakthrough and climbed to the top positions. What are your plans for the end of the season? Where do you plan to celebrate New Year and Christmas?

Julia: Yeah : ) In the beginning of the year I could not imagine that I could be so high. But you need to understand that next season everything will start again. Before the New Year I play two tournaments G4 in Riga and St. Petersburg, and next season will try to play as many matches against players from top 10. So…Italy is waiting!

Maraike Biglmaier, Germany

BTRUSSIA: Big congrats with your victories in Thailand. It’s amazing year for you! Tell a lil bit about tournaments please. Did you like the tournament conditions?

Maraike: Thank you! Actually, it's not the end of the season yet for us. We have one more tournament now in Reunion. What about conditions, it was nice, but to be honest I can’t say I was satisfied from the view of a pro player on a pro tournament. It was unfortunately not very professional (organization & courts etc). Nevertheless, many good players were there, and we had a good time.

BTRUSSIA: What was the most interesting game or games for you and Patricia?

Maraike: The most interesting game in Thailand for us... Hmm... Probably the final in Hua Hin, cause it was the only time we lost a set. But anyway, every match is different, and we had twice a tough draw... So every match from quarterfinal on was hard and challenging.

BTRUSSIA: What did you like the most in Thai?

Maraike: I really like a small island we visited (Koh Phangan). And I liked the tournament in Pattaya a bit more because all the players stayed together on the same place and it was a very good atmosphere.