Patrombon gains Olivarez netfest men’s main draw

MANILA, Philippines - Former World Junior standout Jeson Patrombon turned back higher-ranked Andrew Ochotta of Canada, 6-1, 6-3, to barge into the main draw of the Olivarez Cup-Philippine International Men’s Tennis Championship at the Rizal Tennis Center yesterday.

Patrombon, a former quarterfinalist in the Australian Open juniors, disposed of Ochotta, seeded second in the qualifiers, just before the rain fell, forcing the organizers to call off the remaining two matches.

The win thus sent Patrombon to the main 32-man group along with wildcards Johnny Arcilla, Elbert Anasta, PJ Tierro and Marc Reyes.

Yang Shao Chi of Chinese Taipei, the qualifying round’s top seed who drew a bye Sunday, slammed Tim Dong of the US, 6-4, 6-3, to likewise make it to the main draw starting tomorrow.

“My objective here is to play solid and perhaps get a good result,” said Patrombon.

Patrombon was coming off a come-from-behind 2-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 victory over another former juniors standout Kyle Dandan Sunday.

Patrombon made it as high as No. 9 in the world juniors ranking two years ago but struggled after a fallout with long-time coach and trainer Manny Tecson.

“I’m hoping to get my confidence back,” said Patrombon, who has trained for three weeks in Taiwan.