Young star loses bid to turn pro

HCM CITY — Viet Nam's young tennis hopeful Nguyen Hoang Thien has suffered another setback in his bid to become a player on the professional circuit.

Thien, who was playing in the main draw via a wild card, was defeated in two straight sets (6-3, 6-2) to Indonesian top-seed Christopher Rungkat in the first round at the F2 Futures Tennis Tournament that was played at Thien's family's tennis club in District 8.

This is his second first-round loss, following a first-round exit at F1 Futures one week ago.

Thien has not won any points for an ATP ranking, which must reach a certain number before being eligible to play on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour.

Another young player, Ly Hoang Nam, who also had a wild card, was defeated by Rohan Gajjar of India in two straight sets.

Do Minh Quan is the only remaining Vietnamese player in the second round.

Quan, a wild card in the main draw, will meet the winner of a match between a Thai and an Indian player.

In the first round on Monday, Quan beat Australia's Frost Leon 7-5, 6-1.

The tournament will end on Sunday. — VNS