THE PHILIPPINES’ hope for gold medals in tennis’ singles events came to an abrupt halt yesterday after Filipino bets in the men and women’s division bowed down to their respective Thai rivals in the 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Kallang Tennis Centre in Singapore.
Men’s division bet Jeson Patrombon’s campaign ended in the semifinals yesterday after he lost to Warit Sornbutnark of Thailand in straight sets, 4-6, 1-6, to settle for the bronze medal.
Filipina Katherine Lehnert also settled for the bronze medals in the women’s tennis singles after dropping her semifinals match versus Varatchaya Wongteanchai, 5-7, 1-6.
Left in the quest for potential medals for the Filipinos are the men’s doubles tandem of Treat Huey and Francis Casey Alcantara, and the pair of Ruben Gonzales and Patrombon. Both pairs were up against Thai doubles partners at press time.