Coleman Wong enjoys day in the sun to win first singles match at Hong Kong Tennis Open
Hongkonger beats Argentinian opponent ranked 78 spots higher, while China’s Jerry Shang also outlasts an Argentine at Causeway Bay
Coleman Wong Chak-lam notched up the first Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open win of his career at the third time of asking, when he beat Mariano Navone in straight sets on Tuesday.
A break down at 5-4 late in the second set, the Hong Kong star won 11 straight points to enjoy a three-match-point advantage before eventually sealing a commanding 6-3, 7-5 win in one hour and 41 minutes.
Victory sets up a second round clash with Gabriel Diallo, who is his doubles partner for the week, in Causeway Bay.
“I wasn’t thinking too much out there [after the ninth game] but just trying to play my shots well because I knew I was going to find my rhythm one way or the other; I just needed some time,” Wong said. “It’s never easy because the opponents are all solid and they won’t give me many chances.
“I had to create them on my own, so I am very happy that I could win today.”
Compared with his strong finish to the match, the first set appeared to be closer and tighter as very little separated the pair at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium through the first four games.