Teenage tennis star in top 100
YOUNG John Hui Kin-yip scaled new heights in his fledgling tennis career when he powered his way into the world's top 100 after the Hong Kong Open Junior Championships at the Victoria Park.
John, ranked 114th on the International Tennis Federation junior chart, defied the seedings to reach the last eight with a 6-2, 6-3 demolition of India's eighth-seeded Jaideep Shetty.
The 16-year-old had in the earlier round stopped Macau's Pedro Tiago Ambrosio 6-1, 6-1, but he found his match in second seeded Hrbaty Dominik of Slovakia and lost the quarter-final 6-2, 6-3.
John has made a meteoric rise through the rankings since Australian Mark Jeffries became his personal coach a year ago.
''John was in the 400s when I arrived, and after this tournament we reckon he should be in the top 90,'' said a delighted Jeffries.
''John played pretty well throughout the Hong Kong Open, he is more consistent now and he has improved a lot on his serve.'' John's previous best result in singles was at the Asian Junior Championships in Singapore when he reached the last 16.
He also did remarkably well in the doubles event with Britain's Alex Osterrieth, reaching the semi-final before bowing out to the Australian-Canadian duo of Novak Nash and Chris Santoso.
John gave up his studies at the Hong Kong International School last year to become a full-time tennis player.
But coach Jeffries said it may be too early for the youngster to turn professional.
Jeffries said: ''John will continue playing the junior events this year and then we'll decide whether he's ready for the circuit.''
