Pusan-bound Hui finds fame and fortune in doubles
Rookie John Hui Kin-yip's foray into the world of professional tennis is paying rich dividends so far. His decision to play doubles full time as opposed to singles has proved a blessing and already he is ranked 157th in the world by the ATP with Australian partner Anthony Ross.
Since turning pro 21 months ago, the 24-year-old Hui is quickly making a name for himself. He has become the first local player since former women's singles star Patricia Hy to achieve such a high ranking.
Cambodian-born Hy represented Hong Kong for a number of years in the early to mid-1980s before taking up residency in Canada where she reached the world's top 50.
In Hui, the SAR now has a genuine Hong Kong-born player, who is set to go places. And with the experience he garnered at a successful 10-week tour of Europe recently, he has been given a major boost in time for next month's Asian Games.
'It feels good to have a 157 ranking. I am very honoured,' said Hui, who formed his partnership with Ross last summer. 'Since turning pro, I have seen my ranking climb quite rapidly from about 299 at the beginning of the year. Hopefully my ranking will get even higher.'
Hui attended the same college as 25-year-old Ross at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California and the partnership has been such a success that competing in the Grand Slams would no longer be considered a pipe dream.
The pair had decided to skip the qualifying competition for Wimbledon this summer, but they hope to play at one of the Slams in future. 'We were hoping to compete at the US Open this year, but the qualifying competition was scrapped for some reason, which is a pity,' said Hui.
Recently, the Hui-Ross combination reached two Challenger finals - at a US$50,000 tournament in Manchester and a US$100,000 event in Hilversum in Holland. Last year, Hui and Ross reached the quarter-finals of the Shanghai (Heineken) Open and the pair won the 'Futures' tournament which they will defend at Victoria Park from October 27-November 2.
'Originally, I had partnered Mark Draper [former Australian professional] for about four months before I decided to form a partnership with Anthony [Ross]. My immediate aim is to get into the world's top 150. I am almost there,' he said.
But Hui added: 'The competition is going to be tough in Pusan. Unlike Challenger tournaments, the Asian Games will feature top doubles players like Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi [of India]. Hopefully we can get a good draw, although I doubt we will be seeded.'
At the moment, Hui does not know who he will partner in Pusan as Ross is not eligible to compete in the Asian Games, being a native Australian. The Hong Kong Tennis Association will have to between US-based Wayne Wong or junior Brian Hung.
