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.