Patrombon gains SEA Games berth

MANILA—Jeson Patrombon finally gets his chance to don the national colors.

Philippine Tennis Association secretary general Romeo Magat said the 18-year-old Australian Open juniors singles quarterfinalist will be tapped for the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

Magat, who is also PH deputy chef de mission for the SEA Games, said Patrombon will join Fil-Americans Cecil Mamiit, Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales in the November Games in the event where the country finished with a 2-2-2 gold-silver-bronze medal tally two years ago in Laos.

Patrombon, who has been vocal about his desire to represent the country in international meets, will make himself available despite his tight schedule  in the juniors and men’s circuit.

He flew to London yesterday for the Aegon Grade 1 tournament and Wimbledon.

“Yes, if given the opportunity, we will be honored to accept it and Jeson will definitely be available,” said his coach Manny Tecson.

The same lineup will likely be fielded when the Philippines takes on New Zealand in their Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 relegation tie next month.

But Huey is doubtful starter as the  tie will coincide with the Campbell Hall of Fame tennis event in Newport, Rhode Island.