Patrombon sizzles in Belgium Int'l Junior net bash

Playing against solid opponents seems to ignite the fire in Jeson Patrombon. The top Filipino junior netter bounced back after losing the first set by winning the next two sets and carving out a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, victory over Darian King of Bardados in the opening round of the boys’ singles in the 46th Astrid Bowl Charleroi, Belgium International Junior Championships.

The match that lasted more than three hours to settle was indeed a big test for Patrombon, who displayed consistency using his forehand and was the aggressor in the match to defeat King, who is ranked 46th by the ITF. “The key is to sharpen his forehand and keep practicing taking the ball early and hit it consistently which is paying off for him in his matches," said coach Manny Tecson. The win set Patrombom to a much tougher second-round match against second-seed Mate Zsiga of Hungary, who drew a bye in the first round. Tecson believes Patrombon has a good chance of winning although he needs to relax the tired body of the 17-year old netter. “We have to get Jeson’s body and legs fully recovered. We have to dictate the points and be aggressive all the way. This is the way to beat Ziga who is a clay court player and very consistent on this surface," added Tecson. The win by Patrombon over King would earn him at least 20 ITF points that will push his rankings higher after the tournament. - RCJ, GMANews.TV