Tennis Cambodia has picked a three-member team comprising Sen Sophon, Khlang Punlok and Leng Sarinreach for the International Tennis Federation Asia 14 and Under Development Championships (Division 2) to be held at Ho Chi Minh City’s Phu Tho and Kya Hoa Tennis Clubs from January 18 to 29.

The Championships, organised by the ITF and the Asian Tennis Federation is supported by the Grand Slam Development Fund and serves as a launching pad for the region’s emerging talent.

A one-day training camp being directed by an ITF representative with the help of visiting coaches will be organised prior to two tournaments back to back.The main purpose of the camp is to allow players to adjust to the new conditions and help in deciding the seedings.

The 14 countries taking part in the event are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The Championships involve singles and doubles events for both boys and girls.

The singles will be a maximum 32 draw, if possible, with eight seeded players each receiving a bye into the second round. The event will be conducted on a feed-in consolation basis whereby each player will play a singles match each day resulting in a ranking of all the participants from one to 32.

Based on the performances at this event, selected players will be invited to represent an ITF team at the Division 1 championships slated for March.

One of the members of the national team since 2012 and Tennis Cambodia’s Head of Junior Development Phalkun Mam will accompany the team as its coach on his first major assignment.

‘I am keenly looking forward to this trip. I hope our players make the best of this chance to compete with quality players,’’ Phalkun Mam said yesterday.

“It is a great opportunity for these youngsters to know where they stand in the region. This exposure to tough competition will help shape their careers,” Tennis Cambodia’s secretary-general Tep Rithivit said yesterday.

“It was an excellent 2014 for our junior and grassroots initiatives. This event in Vietnam will be an eye-opener and will set the course for the new season.’’