Tennis coach upbeat despite ward's setback

SINGAPORE – Despite back-to-back losses by Jeson Patrombon in the first Youth Olympic Games, tennis coach Manny Tecson remains confident of his ward’s rise in the sport in the future.

“I believe Jeson is on the right track and we have to keep moving forward with the US Open just a few weeks away,” said Tecson, referring to next big tournament lined up for the 16-year-old netter who had campaigned in the Asian and European circuits on his way here.

But Patrombon dropped a sorry setback to Bowen Ouyang of China in the first round of the singles, failing to sustain an opening set win before losing a 6-7(11-9), 6-3, 6-4 decision in a grueling three-and-a-hour encounter at the Kallang Tennis Center.

“The tournament is so deep in talent that any player can be beaten by anybody,” said Tecson, citing the top seeded and Wimbledon champion Marton Fuscovics of Hungary, who was ambushed right in the first round by Britain’s Oliver Golding in straight sets.

Also out of the tournament was French Open singles champion Renzo Olivo of Argentina, who bowed to Ricardo Rodriguez of Venezuela, also in the first round.

Tecson said Patrombon will still get to play more matches in the consolation rounds which will serve as tune-up for his US Open campaign.