LOCAL junior tennis stars John Hui Kin-yip and Jason Sankey will miss the chance of testing their mettle against the cream of Asia's talent next month because they will be in the United States.
A top cast has been lined up for the Asian Championships at the Victoria Park from December 5 to 11, but John and Jason will be competing in the Orange Bowl in Florida on the same week.
'It is unfortunate that the Orange Bowl is on at the same time because playing at the Asian Championships would have given John and Jason invaluable exposure,' said Hong Kong Tennis Association spokesman Janet Hardisty.
'But the Orange Bowl comes first for John and Jason because it is the world's leading junior tournament.' However, one Hong Kong youngster who can make an impression at the Asian Championships is 17-year-old Willy Chan Lee, the territory's No 1 women's player.
Willy would be very keen to do well as she prepares for her biggest date - the First Pacific Bank Challenge in January - when she will rub shoulders with the top women players in the world.
Meanwhile, the HKTA will hold a clinic for children aged 14 and under at the Shekkipmei Park tennis courts over the next four weekends. No entry fee is charged and those interested should contact the HKTA on 504-8266.