Heo joining two ITF events in Korea

Ji Hoon Heo left Saipan last Monday to participate in two Junior ITF tournaments in Korea.

Heo, in an interview with Saipan Tribune after his finals game against Kirk Schuler in the 9th Annual PIC/Gatorade Tennis Championships, said he will be competing in Jeju and Seoul and he is hoping to earn ranking points from the two tournaments. The 17-year-old netter, who defeated Schuler in the men’s open singles finals, 6-4, 6-0, is currently ranked No. 1255, as he has earned five ranking points in singles and 3.75 in doubles.

Heo’s first tournament in Korea will be the Jeju International Junior Championships 2009, which will run from April 7 to 12. It is a Grade 4 event, which offers the least ranking points and is used as an introduction to the ITF Junior Circuit.

The CNMI top junior netter in the boys’ 18-and-under division left a week before the tournament in Jeju to acclimatize himself.

“I remember I was in the same tournament last year and it was very cold. I arrived there only a few days before the start of the tournament and I was not able to adjust to the weather quickly. I could not get my game going, as it was pretty cold,” Heo said.

In his debut in Jeju, Heo had to join a qualifying tournament before making it to the main draw. Unfortunately, he lost in the qualifier and went home early. This time, he is entered in the main draw after earning ranking points last year.

“This time I will perform better. I think after going through several off-island tournaments, I matured as a player and my endurance and power improved, too. But still, I have a lot to learn and hopefully, these tournaments in Korea will help me raise my game to a higher level,” Heo added.

From a skinny junior player, two years ago, Heo bulked up, gaining upper body strength after frequent visits to the gym.

“The power is there, but I still need to work more on my footwork,” said Heo, who now wears braces to protect his ankles.

Heo sustained an injury on both ankles while playing in New Caledonia last year and although he is quickly gaining his form, he admits the pain is still there.

After the tournament in Jeju, Heo will rest for a few days and then move to Seoul, where he has to compete in the qualifier before making it to the main draw.