Jeson yields to Indian in three sets

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino wild card Jeson Patrombon performed better in his second outing as a pro but still ended up losing to Indian 11th seed Srirambalaji Narayanaswamy, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, in the qualifying draw of the India F4 Futures tourney in Noida, India.

Patrombon, trying his luck in the men’s circuit after turning 18 last month, fought the local bet toe-to-toe and landed his big shots in the second set to force a decider. In the end, though, the experience of the 21-year-old Narayanaswamy, who has an ATP ranking of 1,428th and has been a men’s campaigner since 2006, prevailed.

The loss shut the door on Patrombon’s bid to make it to the main draw of the $10,000 tournament, the second of three ITF Futures meets the Iligan City pride is set to compete in.

Last week, Patrombon made his pro debut as a wild card holder in the main draw of the India F3 Futures in Chandiragh, India, where he absorbed a 1-6, 0-6 setback to second seed Yuki Bhambri of India. Bhambri, No. 423rd in the ATP list, eventually placed second to Vishnu Vardan in the event.

The dusky Patrombon will try to break the barrier again in the next leg, the India F5 Futures slated April 25-May 1 in Chennai, where he also carries a wild card berth in the qualifying draw.

According to coach Manny Tecson, Patrombon is testing the waters in the men’s circuit while still qualified to compete in the junior ranks until the end of the year. After India, the plan is to either seek a spot in another set of ITF Futures in Korea or field him in the boys’ play in Roland Garros.