Jeson top seed in Mitsubishi netfest

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino ace Jeson Patrombon takes a crack at history as he competes in the 22nd Mitsubishi Lancer International Junior Tennis Championship slated March 22-27 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Patrombon, currently rated 10th in the world juniors ranking, has been ranked No. 1 in the annual Grade 1 netfest, a first for a local campaigner in the boys’ singles. And he could make this more historic by winning it altogether.

“This is the first time a Filipino is seeded No. 1 in this level of competition,” said Parañaque Rep. and Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) president Edwin Olivarez during yesterday’s PSA Forum.

Through 21 stagings of the event, only Phl girls have managed to win the singles and doubles titles – Francesca La’O, Jennifer Saret and Maricris Fernandez.

“This is the chance for the Filipino boys to show that they have what it takes to dominate the 18-under competitions. We hope Patrombon will get it,” said Philta sec-gen Romeo Magat.

But Patrombon, who is coming off a runner-up finish in recent Grade 1 tilt in Thailand, will have his hands full against a tough international field.

“We have a very competitive lineup, 30 in the field are on the Top 100 (ITF junior rankings) and nine of these boys have ATP rankings so these are really the cream of the crop,” said Mitsubishi Motors Philippines VP-marketing services Froilan Dytianquin.

The Philippines does not have a seeded entry in the girls division and the likes of Clarice Patrimonio, Tamitha Nguyen, and Marinel Rudas will have to go through the pre-qualifying stage.

But Patrimonio, who recently won a title in a Grade 4 tourney in Brunei, stands a good chance of getting a wild card slot, according to Magat.