Huey, Patrombon rap foreign rivals

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am Treat Conrad Huey and Jeson Patrombon scored victories in separate tournaments abroad with the former teaming up with Australian Carsten Ball in turning back power-serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic and German Frank Moser, 6-3, 6-4, in the Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday.

Huey and Carsten will next face the Indian pair of Mahesh Buphati and Rohan Bopana, who advanced with a come-from-behind 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win over Aussies Matthew Ebden and Christian Guccione.

Patrombon, on the other hand, stunned third seed and former Wimbledon Juniors champion Antal Van der Duim of the Netherlands, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, to barge into the quarterfinals of the Israel F2 Futures in Eilat, Israel.

“Jeson’s win is a good and positive indication that we have the skills and talent to compete in the pro level and win,” said Patrombon’s coach Manny Tecson through email.

Patrombon, on the other hand, gained with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Slovakian Marko Danis.