RISING STAR: Photo shows Alia Azman during a training session. With a few of the state’s young tennis players currently rising through the ranks, names like Alia, Aiman Hamdan, Aslina Chua and Alvin Teng Wee Jie, are constantly putting Sarawak’s name on the world tennis map.
KUCHING: Sarawak is experiencing exciting times with more players from the state rising to play tennis at the highest level.
With a few of the state’s young tennis players currently rising through the ranks, names like Alia Azman, Aiman Hamdan, Aslina Chua and Alvin Teng Wee Jie are constantly putting the Sarawak name on the world tennis map.
Fresh from competing at the BIMP-EAGA tennis tournament held at the Philippines two weeks ago, Alia revealed that her love for tennis started when she first played her tournament three years ago when she was 10-year-old.
“During the time, I was so nervous but as I played on, I learned that tennis was indeed my type of game. Now, all I want is to continue playing the sport and hopefully reach the highest competitive level,” said Alia.
Training with the Sarawak Bumiputra Tennis Association (PTBS), she is coached by Abang Isa Abang Menatahir, the man who has done so much for Alia in her development as one of the top junior female tennis players in the state.
Another young Sarawak female player on the ascend in tennis is Chua who was recently crowned BMW Malaysian National Circuit 2012 Women’s Open winner.
Number 596 in the world rankings, she has also earned a wildcard entry for the BMW Malaysian Open 2013 competition. She trains with the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA).
“I am excited to be given an opportunity to play alongside international players in the competition. I will do my best,” she added.
Apart from the female players, another young Sarawak-born player to watch is Aiman.
The 12-year-old is constantly winning junior titles around the state and he was close to winning another title last week at the YB Fadillah Junior Cup, losing the final match 7-6, 7-5 to another Sarawak youngster Mohd Nazmi Haider.
“Although I am obviously disappointed at losing an opportunity to win silverware, my motivation remains the same. This is my game and I devote my life to tennis,” he said.
Aiman also aspires to represent Sarawak in Sukma one day.
Winning the Kuala Lumpur Masters last Sunday is Teng also from Sarawak.
His achievement adds up to the number of Sarawak players doing their best for the state and country in tennis.