JESON Patrombon scored a huge straight-sets win as the Philippines split the opening singles with Thailand in the Asia Oceania Zone Group II second round tie on Saturday at the Philippine Columbian Association shell-clay court in Manila.
Patrombon broke serve right in the first game of the opening set against Jirat Navasirisomboon on the way to a 6-2, 6-2 win.
“Weakness talaga niya yung backhand since nung huli po kaming naglaban. Kaso noon po, nakuha nya yung game ko. Pero dito ako naman yung nagkakumpiyansa. Hindi ko na siya binigyan ng chance,” said Patrombon.
Thailand’s Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul evened the score, downing 19-year-old Joseph Brian Otico, 6-3, 6-4.
“Good start for us, Jeson was very patient he never allowed Jirat a space to attack,” said Philippine team captain Chris Cuarto.
“He saw Jirat’s weakness, so binigay nya halos lahat ng bola sa backhand nya kaya nag-stuggle yung Thai.”
Francis Casey Alcantara and Johnny Arcilla goes up against twins Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana in the doubles on Sunday.
“Critical sa amin ito bukas, but we like our chances kasi sila gusto nila hardcourt, ako naman dito,” said Arcilla.
The reverse singles are scheduled in the afternoon, with Patrombon taking on Trongcharoenchaikul who is celebrating his 23rd birthday.
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