Patrombon falls

MANILA, Philippines – Jeson Patrombon fell short of his title bid as he bowed to qualifier Rikuto Furuta of Japan, 2-6, 2-6, in the final of the Dunlop Japan Tennis Open in Nagoya last Sunday.

But the runner-up finish augured well for the rising star from Iligan City who essayed his best finish in a Grade 1 event.

Patrombon, seeded fifth in the week-long tournament, upended South Korean Lee Jean-moon, 6-3, 6-3, last Sunday to get a crack at the crown against Furuta. – Joey Villar