Floodlighting of one of the three courts at the National Training Centre has been completed as part of Tennis Federation of Cambodia’s infrastructure development drive.

“The lights are operational on one court and members of our national team are already making use of it,” TFC secretary-general Tep Rithivit said.

“It is an expensive affair, so we have to be very selective when to switch them on.

“The next phase is to install floodlights over the other two courts.”

The secretary said lights had been installed thanks to financial assistance from the International Tennis Federation and an expatriate tennis supporter.

“Through the efforts of [ITF] executive director of development Dave Miley, who visited Cambodia in March this year, and personal contribution from the chairman of Comin Khmere, Dominique Catry, we could complete this dream project,” he said.

National head coach and TFC technical director Braen Aneiros said he could see the immediate benefits.

“It adds a whole new dynamic to our tennis initiatives and it is a big advantage to train and play over extended hours in cooler conditions,” Aneiros told the Post.

“We have to work out a cost-effective way of making the best use of these lights.

‘‘Playing under lights is a different experience and it would be ideal for people who work during the day to spend time on court late into the evenings.”