With three frontline players testing out how well their switch from double-fisted backhand to a one-hander will make an impact on their games and a set of new players from Siem Reap joining the fray for the first time, the second edition of the National Junior Tournament beginning at the National Training Center today offers exciting possibilities.

It will be interesting to watch the performances of Tep Timothy, Khleang Ponlok and Sen Sophon since all three of them have altered their backhand styles, with a view to better control and effect.

As with every Tennis Cambodia program, newcomers always get an open-arm welcome, and this time it is the team from the heritage city that will attract attention as head coach Scott Windus unleashes his players for the first time in a competition at this level.

“We always cherish the day when we have kids from newer programs joining competition for the very first time. Competition is so important for the growth of a player and it is great to see that the players in Siem Reap have trained and honed their skills to join in the National Junior Tournament series,” secretary-general of Tennis Cambodia Tep Rithivit said.

In the boys and girls under-18 sections, the battle will be between players who have stayed in the group for a while and those who are entering it.

As usual, the under-14 category is the toughest, and one making waves is Leng Sarinreach, who has already shown he can match strides with some of the more experienced players in the field like Khleang Ponlok, having beaten him in three sets the last time they met

One of the sponsors, Hager is making a huge impact on the series by catering to the food needs of the players. “We are happy to have Hager by our side and their sustained support is a huge factor in the success of this series,” Tennis Cambodia’s head of junior development Phalkun Mam said.