Patrombon foils Serbian rival, reaches Last 16

MANILA, Philippines - Eighth seed Jeson Patrombon turned back Miki Jankovic of Serbia, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-3, to barge into the Last 16 of the Australian Open juniors boys singles event yesterday in Melbourne, Australia.

Patrombon outlasted Jankovic in a tight duel in the first set, overturning a 2-4 deficit in tiebreak by winning the next five points to take the headstart. Though Jankovic equalized with a dominating performance in the second, the Filipino ace got his rhythm back in the third to clinch the victory.

It was Patrombon’s second win over Jankovic in as many head-to-head encounters, beating the Serbian, 6-3, 6-1, last year when they met in Round 1 of the Roland Garros netfest.

With this victory, the 17-year-old Iligan pride likewise guaranteed his best-ever stint in a grand slam event so far, surpassing his Round of 32 appearance in the French Open juniors in 2010.

Patrombon, though, is expected to encounter a tough challenge in his quest for a quarterfinal slot as he next goes up against 10th seed Andrew Whittington of Australia, who will naturally have the crowd at his side at the Melbourne Park National Tennis Centre behind him.

Earlier in the first round, Patrombon had to keep his focus amid a wildy-cheering crowd before beating local bet Jordan Thompson, 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Whittington forged a third round duel with World No. 12 Patrombon as he drubbed Thomas Szewczyk of France, 6-2, 1-6, 6-2.

World No. 16 Whittington will go into the singles match enjoying the psychological edge after winning his encounter with Patrombon in yesterday’s doubles. Third seed Whittington and Ben Wagland slammed Patrombon and his 6’5 partner Jaden Grinter of New Zealand, 6-3, 7-5, to advance to the quarters.