Lim takes over Huey place in Team Phl

MANILA, Philippines -  Tennis ace Treat Conrad Huey, one of the Philippines’ gold medal prospects in the coming Southeast Asian Games, pulled out of the Malaysia meet to focus on his campaign in the US Open.

“Treat can’t play in the SEA Games due to scheduling conflict with the US Open,” Philippine Tennis Association secretary general Romy Magat told The STAR yesterday.

Magat reiterated that Huey’s pullout has “nothing to do with the leadership dispute at Philta.”

“He was told by the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) that you shouldn’t play in another (non-ranking) tournament because you need points for the other Grand Slam events,” Magat said.

The SEA Games is slated Aug. 19-30 while the US Open is set Aug. 28-Sept. 10.

With Huey, who won the country’s lone gold in tennis in the 2015 edition in partnership with lady netter Denise Dy, ruled out, Philta is bringing in young netter AJ Lim for his first SEAG stint.

“The good thing here is AJ will get his chance to experience the SEA Games while Treat will continue to gain ranking points,” said Magat.

Huey has been a regular podium finisher in the biennial Games, winning the mixed doubles with Dy twice (2011 and 2015) and team gold once (2009) while snaring silver in men’s doubles (2015), team (2011) and singles (2009). He also had a bronze in both the men’s doubles and men’s team events in Singapore. 

Aside from Lim, Ruben Gonzales, Francis Casey Alcantara, Jeson Patrombon, Dy, Khim Iglupas, Katharina Lehnert and Clarice Patrimonio will carry the fight for Team Phl in Malaysia.