Rohaizat brings local interest to CM Cup

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File photo of Rohaizat and mixed doubles partner at the Asean Schools Games in the Philippines last year.

KUCHING: Rohaizat Achop Borhan Janang will have the honour of being the only Sarawakian playing in the main draw of the 25th Chief Minister’s Cup tennis tournament starting today.

The state player will vie with 47 other players from 16 countries at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) courts in the boy’s category.

He made it to the main draw after beating Kyler Jirasook of the United States 6-3, 6-1 in the qualifiers last Sunday.

The 17 year-old Rohaizat is certainly a rising star in the sport.

Last year, he won the men’s doubles gold at Sukma held in Perlis and then took the bronze in the mixed doubles while representing Malaysia at the Asean Schools Games in the Philippines.

State coach during the 2014 Sukma, Stevie Din, points to the youngster’s strengths which augurs well for his future.

“During training sessions for Sukma last year, he was very committed in whatever he did. Tennis is definitely his passion and I am sure that he is hungry for more glory,” he said.

Of Iban Muslim ethnicity, Rohaizat hails from Sri Aman division and is currently studying at the SMK Tabuan Jaya State Sports School (SSN).

From 2010 – 2013 he was a student at SSM Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the sports school based in Bandar Penawar, Johor.

Meanwhile, 45 players are also scheduled to compete in the women’s draw.