THE Tennis Federation of Cambodia (TFC) saw their quest for B Class membership with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) given another major boost following the decision by the governing body to take up the issue much earlier than anticipated.

Last month, officials from the ITF assured that the TFC’s application for elevation from C category would be processed at the annual general meeting next year in Bangkok. But in an official communication to the TFC, the ITF has revealed the matter would in fact be included in the agenda of the Washington AGM this year to be held from August 23 to 25.

In a letter addressed to the TFC President Cham Prasidh, the ITF chief Francesco Ricci Bitti said the board of directors had noted the TFC’s intention to apply in 2011 for a transfer from Class C to B membership and that this matter would be raised at the 2010 AGM.

Indication from officials familiar with the processes is that the application would now run a smoother course with confirmation a formality at the next AGM.

TFC Secretary General Tep Rithivit welcomed the piece of news, saying the sooner the TFC got through the application process the better. B category status allows the federation to participate in the Davis Cup, as well as having one vote in ITF elections.

Meanwhile, TFC commissioned promotional T-shirts imprinted with the logo “From Killing Fields to Tennis Courts” made waves on the hallowed courts of Wimbledon on the Men’s quarterfinals day Wednesday. TFC goodwill ambassador Robert Davies distributed shirts to the world’s top two ranked tennis players, Roger Federer and Rafel Nadal, both of whom were said to have been moved by the gift from Cambodia. While Nadal, basking in the glory of his triumph over Soderling, readily autographed the shirt with a “best wishes to Cambodian tennis” message and promised to wear one soon, Federer, nursing his loss to Thomas Berdych, acknowledged the gift and wished great success to the federation’s cause.