Dagenhart qualifies for the main draw
by Matthew T. Umpang, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on September 4, 2012, Tuesday
ON TRACK: Ernest Dagenhart, who is currently unranked in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rankings, met expectations yesterday when he beat his opponent at ease to qualify for the main draw of the Eighth edition of the ITF Asian U-14 Series. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: As anticipated, the highly rated Ernest Dagenhart was entered to the main draw of the Eighth edition of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Asian U-14 Series tournament.
During the match yesterday he demolished Malaysia’s Muhammad Pauzi 6-2, 6-0 to march into the next round. A total of 13 players competed yesterday to qualify for the main draw of the tournament.
Originally from Belarus, Dagenhart is qualified to represent Malaysia in the tournament as his father is a permanent resident of the country. His victory over his ‘compatriot’ is another step forward in his quest for glory in the Asian U-14 Series tournament.
“He did well today and knowing that he’s from Europe, I’m afraid he would not perform well under the weather conditions here in Malaysia. Nevertheless he did a good job,” commented Dagenhart’s coach Saeed Afzalirad.
Dagenhart’s opponent will only be known today as the main draw for the Asian U-14 Series will be made today. Should he win the tournament it will be a good gift for his adopted country, Malaysia.
In another development, the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) have received confirmation that pre-tournament favourites Koay Hao Sheng will not be participating in this year’s competition.
According to representative of the SLTA, they have received an e-mail from Koay’s parents yesterday confirming his withdrawal from the tournament.
His parents cited personal problem as the main reason for not participating in the event.
Ranked number seven in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rankings, Koay is to be the best ranked player in the tournament. He is also Malaysia’s best hope to win as he is the top seed.
Nevertheless Koay’s absence will not take the glitter away from the tournament as other favourites such as Hong Kong’s Alan Sou Ming Chun and Iranian Saba Najafi Dehaghi (in the girl’s category) are expected to arrive here tomorrow. For the record, Alan is number nine in ITF rankings and Malaysia’s second best player after Koay in the tournament is Talhah Rahizam who is ITF ranked number 28.
The main Asian U-14 Series starts tomorrow (Sept 5) at the SLTA tennis grounds near Kuching Civic Center.
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