India’s Kabir aims to improve rankings

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ON A MISSION: Kabir determines to progress up to the final stage at the Asian U-14 Series. — Photo by Harry Illias

KUCHING: Seventh seed Kabir Manrai of India is hoping to make a big impact at the eighth edition of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Asian U-14 Series to rake ranking points in the tournament which starts today at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association tennis centre here.

MAIN DRAW: Shamira Azzahra hits a return during her match in qualifying round. The Indonesian is ranked 28th in the ATF.

Hailing from the city of Chandigarh, Kabir is also on a mission to repay the faith given by his academy back home and those who invested in him.

He is currently ranked 17th in India and this is his debut in Malaysia.

With an Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) rank of 85, the 13-year-old with a booming forehand is determined to progress up to the final stage of the competition to guarantee better ranking.

He is accompanied by his coach Robin Kumar.

“As for me, I have been here several times to Malaysia and Sarawak. I’m always enthusiastic if there’s a tennis tournament in Kuching as I believe this is one of the best places and competition for exposure,” commented Robin who is happy with the organising and management of the tournament by SLTA.

Commenting on Kabir, Robin added that he is dedicated player with high discipline and determination. He is confident that Kabir is one player to watch during the tournament.

For the record, Kabir started playing tennis under Robin and has been training with him for four years now.

“We will fly to Sabah to compete in the next leg after this. I am planning to bring Kabir around the world to give him the best competitive exposure that he can get,” added Robin.

Commenting on the climate and weather condition here in Sarawak, Robin added that the weather here is much better than his native country.

NEWCOMER: China’s Ting Lu Hui in action during her qualifying match at Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association court. — Photos by Chimon Upon

He and Kabir like it here as it is much cooler and conducive for playing tennis.

Meanwhile, the girls’ category has 26 participants who made it to the main draw.

Among the players to watch are Saba Najafi Deghahi of Iran who ranked 18 in the ATF, 28th ranked Shamira Azzahra of Indonesia and newcomer Ting Lu Hui of China.