Jeson thwarts Korean

MANILA, Philippines - Jeson Patrombon continued to flash top form as he booted out Korea’s Kang Hogi, 6-2, 6-4, to reach the third round of the Seogwipo Asia/Oceania Closed Championships in Jeju-do, South Korea late Wednesday.

The victory set the second seeded Patrombon against giant-slayer Chuang Ting Yu of Chinese Taipei in an interesting duel late Thursday.

The unfancied Chuang, ranked 199th in the world, brought down 16th seed Jordan Thompson of Australia, 6-1, 6-0.

Patrombon actually posted two victories in the day as he teamed up with Jaden Grinter of New Zealand in beating Jasmes Kong of Hong Kong and Liu Siyu of China, 6-1, 6-2, in the doubles event.

The third-ranked Patrombon and Grinter square off with Koreans Kim Yun and Kim Ho Gak, who turned back compatriot Kim Sung Hun and Roy Zeidan of Lebanon, 6-4, 6-2.

Anna Clarice Patrimonio bounced back from her early elimination in the singles event as she partnered with Zhu Ali of China to down Korea’s Jeong Yeong Won and Kim Da Hye, 6-2, 6-3, in the first round of the ladies doubles.

But Patrimonio and Zhu face a tougher challenge in the next round as they take on No. 2 Miho Kowase and Risa Ozaki of Japan, who drew a first round bye.                                –