Patrombon survives Serbian foe's challenge, enters finals in Thailand

Top seed Jeson Patrombon is getting used to surviving tough matches. Patrombon was pushed to the limit by Serbian Pedga Kristin, but the Filipino ace managed to pull off a 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-4 win to enter the finals of the Chang LTAT-ITF Junior Championship in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The 17-year-old showed poise to win the first set by tie-break, and once again displayed the same spunk in the deciding set third to survive Kristin's challenge. He will next face American Dean Berman for the boys' singles title in the ITF-sanctioned Grade A tournament. Berman, ranked 45th in the world and who trains in Australia, easily disposed of eighth seed Stefan Lindmark of Sweden, 6-2, 6-2. Patrombon is competing for the second time in the Thailand tournament. He was beaten in the semifinals by Australian Benjamin Mitchell, 3-6, 2-6, in last year's semifinals. "Today was the third consecutive three-set match for Jeson, and again it went over three hours of tough and long rallies played in very hot and humid weather. We are being tested all the way, and we are responding to the test very positively," said coach Manny Tecson. While the goal is to win the finals to prove that Patrombon deserves the top seeding in this tournament, Tecson is already satisfied and convinced that the young Iligan City netter is ready to compete as a professional. "These tough matches that Jeson is pulling through are the key ingredients that we are looking for to prepare us for the professional level in the near future. Jason has been improving in all departments of his game, which are the technical, tactical and mental aspects," said Tecson. A quarterfinalist in the Australian Open Juniors Championship last January, Patrombon hopes to play at the same level when he faces Berman to earn his first title win in a Grade I event. Patrombon won a title last year as the top seed in the Grade 2 China Junior tourney. - JVP, KY, GMA News