Leng Sarinreach won the Boys Under-14 and Boys Under-18 titles yesterday at the Third National Junior Championships at the National Training Center on Sunday, becoming the first player ever to win singles titles in two different age categories on the same day.
The 13-year old hit a rich vein of form and showed remarkable endurance through four matches on his way to victory in both age categories.
He has been knocking on the door of success for the past few months with consistently good performances in the last two tournaments, so the stage was perfectly set for him to turn that promise into achievement.
Sarinreach got off to a confident start in the U-18 final against Junior Davis Cup player Chheang Vannasith, and never let the initiative slip to complete a 6-4,6-2 triumph.
On the way to the final, the right handed Sarinreach settled an old score by beating top ranked Sen Sophon of Kep in three hard fought sets 3-6, 7-6, 6-1, In the final of the second edition, Sophon had prevailed over Sarinreach in a long drawn out battle.
Less demanding circumstances
In the other semifinal, Vannasith overcame Michael Schipani 4-6, 6-2,6-2.The second title for Sarinreach, however, came under less demanding circumstances. Having breezed through his U-14 semifinals, Sarinreach had an easy time in the final against Sam David, winning 6-1,6-2 without extending himself at any stage.
The Boys 12 and Under final between two players from the Aspeca Orphanage, saw Sen Saukeng break his rival’s serve once in each set to take the title 6-4,6-4.
The clash between the two Junior Fed Cup members in the girls Under-18 final threw up an anti-climax of sorts with Hour Sreypov continuing her dominance over Ho Sreynoch with a 6-1, 6-2 victory.
Aggressive baseline play by Tippi Dalle-Grave earned her a 6-3, 6-3 win over Chhieu Apsara in the girls Under-14 final while Suong Phally defeated Chhorn Sreyvin 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in the Girls 12 and Under final.
The Tournament sponsors Hagar Restaurant and Catering provided meals for all the players during the three days of competition.
