Also, the event will be a test for Indians in fray with the upcoming Fed Cup tie and the (upcoming) Asian Games (to be held in Incheon, South Korea, later this year) team selection," said Prarthana.
Sixth seed Prerna Bhambri, who didn't enjoy a good 2013, is to take on Aashima Garg in round one and then is drawn to clash with Ankita in the quarterfinals.
Wild Card Rutuja Bhosale, back to India on vacation, would clash with Anushka Bhargava and is expected to trouble fifth seed Shweta Rana in round two. In the opening round, Shweta is to play against Teertha Iska.
In an interesting first round tie, India's Sharmada Balu would take on Japanese Chihiro Nunome.
Singles seeding: 1. Ankita Raina, 2. Prarthana Thombare, 3. Rishika Sunkara, 4. Emi Mutaguchi (Japan), 5. Shweta Rana, 6. Prerna Bhambri 7. Natasha Palha, 8 Nidhi Chilmula.
