Lam gets wildcard entry to POJC

Lam

The CNMI’s La Hunn Lam has gotten a wildcard entry to the 2023 Pacific Oceania Junior Championships set for later this year in Lautoka, Fiji.
The 13-year-old made the cut after his performance in the U18 Guam World Tennis Tour.

Lam won his second round assignment against fellow CNMI netter Simon Tang, 6-1, 6-2, before succumbing to Japanese netter Riku Oshima by the same score in the third round of the qualifiers. 

“I am so grateful to get a wild card entry. I do appreciate coach Jeff [Race], the Oceania Tennis Federation, NMI friends, and family for all the support. I am very excited to play against good players in the POJC. I can’t wait to play,” he told Saipan Tribune in a social media message.

Lam’s mother, Joo Lee, said his son also had good words to say following his victory over Tang.

“It’s always nice to play against a good player like Simon, who is my friend,” he said.

As for joining the U18 Guam World Tennis Tour, which first week was canceled due to Typhoon Mawar, Lam said it was a good experience especially since it served as his debut in an International Tennis Federation event.

“I am happy that I was able to join the ITF junior tournament. It’s my first ITF tournament and it was a great experience for me. I have learned a lot. I have improved on my game tactics even though I lost, I had so many game points but I lost most of them. I need to work on the important points,” he said.

Next up for Lam is suiting up in the doubles phase of the tournament where he is paired with former CNMI netter Anthony Gregoire. 

After Guam, he is expected to return to Saipan and train with Race at his Ace Tennis Academy.

Race said despite the defeat, Lam was still impressive considering the Japanese netter he lost to was much older than him.

“La Hunn drew Simon for singles yesterday (Sunday) and won. Today (Monday) he played a Japanese 16-year-old and lost in the last round of qualifying but played really well. He has made some terrific progress tactically and mentally since we’ve been here. He will play doubles Wednesday with Anthony Gregoire, who used to live on Saipan.”

Race added that he expects Lam to be the second seed in the 12-and-under age group in the POJC.

As for the conditions in Guam following Mawar, Race and Lee said it’s been a challenge.

“Still no water. We got water from the pool last night to shower and Simon washed some clothes,” said Race.
“We still don’t have water. It’s good we have power at least. People are lining up at least three hours to get gasoline,” said Lee.