Tough going for Malaysian players at Sarawak CM’s Cup

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I’LL BE BACK: Sarawakian Alvin Teng vows to come back for next year’s edition of the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup after losing to Japan’s Ryotaro Matsumura yesterday.

I’LL BE BACK: Sarawakian Alvin Teng vows to come back for next year’s edition of the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup after losing to Japan’s Ryotaro Matsumura yesterday.

KUCHING: Two Malaysian players failed to advance to the main draw after losing in the second round qualifiers of the 21st Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup (I) ITF Junior Circuit (Grade 1).

Both, playing in the boy’s singles category, ran into seeded opponents at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association Tennis (SLTA) Centre courts yesterday.

Japanese third seed Ryotaro Matsumura was too hot for to handle as he overcame Sarawakian Alvin Teng Wie Jie 6-0, 6-1.

Speaking to The Borneo Post after the match, Alvin admitted that Ryotaro was simply the better player and he had a tough time competing against him.

“He has a good backhand and he was fast. I’m glad that I faced a good opponent like him and I think I learned a thing or two after my encounter just now,” he added.

Alvin nevertheless revealed that he will try his luck again next year.

The other Malaysian was Johor-born Muhamad Faris Iqmal Kamaruddin.

Like Alvin he too crashed out at the qualifiers after losing to Surinam’s second seed Gian Issa 6-1, 6-0.

“My opponent has good control of the ball. That is one thing I need to improve on if I were to come back for this tournament again next year,” said Muhamad Faris.

The main draw competition of the 21st Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup commences today at the SLTA Centre courts, near the Kuching City Civic Center.