PH tennis eyes more golds in Singapore

THE PHILIPPINES hopes to improve on its lone gold in tennis in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

The most likely partnership of Treat Huey and debuting Katharina Lehnert in the mixed doubles is touted to be a winner, but officials are also counting on victories in other events as tennis returns after it was shelved two years ago in Burma.

“We don’t want to put undue pressure on the team but we are ready for battle and for sure we will do our best out there,” said Philippine Tennis Association vice president Randy Villanueva.

Four years ago, the Philippines scored a single gold through Huey and Denise Dy, plus silvers and three bronzes in the 2011 Indonesia SEA Games.

The men’s team of Huey, Ruben Gonzales, Jeson Patrombon and Francis Casey Alcantara is also a force to reckon this time.  Another PH stronghold is the men’s doubles where the coaching staff is hinting at teaming up Huey and Gonzales or Huey and Alcantara.

The country will also be fielding novice Khim Iglupas, Dy and 2011 bronze winner Clarice Patrimonio.

The team leaves for June 2, four days before the competition starts.