Heo makes q’finals of ITF Junior qualifier

After winning only one match in the qualifying round for an Junior ITF tournament in the Philippines, CNMI netter Ji Hoon Heo played better in his second event in Manila.

Heo made it to the quarterfinals of the qualifying round for the 2008 PHINMA/ITF International Junior Tournament 2 held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The Commonwealth’s bet was first paired against Chinese-Taipei’s Yen-Ju Ho on Monday and Heo nailed a straight set win, 6-4, 6-4, to advance to Round of 15.

Heo’s next foe was the Philippines’ Paul Nicole Magaway and the former had another straight sets victory, 7-6(2), 6-1).

In the Round of 8 on Tuesday, Heo’s streak was ended by the Philippines’ Roman Hernandez, who eked out a 7-5, 6-4 triumph over the CNMI bet.

Had Heo won his third match, he would have advanced to the main draw of the Grade 4-Junior ITF event, which awards ranking points.

Joining Hernandez to the main draw were China’s Yuan-Tao Pan and Kai-Jie Lin and Germany’s Delf Gohlke.

Tournament 2 was on its Round of 16 yesterday with players from Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Croatia, U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong, and Great Britain making the cut.

Last week, Heo made it to the doubles main draw and teamed up with Peru’s Michel James Hukwo, but they lost to the Korean pair of Jung Woong Na and Yong-Jae Kwon.

Despite failing to make the main draw in the singles competition, Heo was glad he participated in the tournament.

“It’s hard to play here because of the weather and the schedule. The competition is tougher compared to last year because there are many ranked players from all over the world and they want to get as many points as they can,” Heo said in an email to the Saipan Tribune.

In the first tournament, Heo at one time went home at 11pm, slept for only five hours and reported for his two matches in the morning.

“But I am thankful to be part of the tournament, as I am meeting many coaches, learning new things from them, and hitting with various powerful players,” he added.

Heo added he is hoping that the experience he gained from the two qualifying tournaments will help him regain his form and confidence.

“I was kind of down after the tournament in New Caledonia when I sprained my ankle. I stopped playing for two months and that really brought my confidence and fitness down,” the MHS student said.