SI YEW MING created history by becoming the first local to win a match in the ATP Malaysian Open, which began in 2009.
Yew Ming, a former national No 1, defeated national junior Colin Wong 6-3, 6-1 in the singles first round qualifiers but the 33-year-old was humbled 6-0, 6-1 in the second round by India's Sanam Singh at Putra Stadium on Saturday
Although Yew Ming only defeated a teammate to earn the distinction of being the first local to win in the event, credit must be given to the Kuala Lumpur-born for his efforts.
"I have finally won my first Malaysian Open match after trying so hard for the last three years. It is something to cherish but I wish I had done it against a foreign player," said Yew Ming.
"However, I failed to reproduce my form in the second round as I couldn't match Sanam's baseline game. I tried to play a serve-and-volley game but it did not work."
Compatriots Assri Merzuki, Ahmad Deedat Abdul Razak and Syed Agil Syed Naguib lost their respective first round matches.
Yew Ming, however, will be back on court for doubles play with Taiwan's Jimmy Wang tomorrow. Assri-Syed Aqil have also earned a doubles main draw wildcard.
The tournament continues today with the final round of the qualifiers.
RESULTS (Malaysians unless stated) -- Qualifying, 1st rd: Treat Conrad Huey (Phi) bt Assri Merzuki 6-2, 5-7, 6-2; Si Yew Ming bt Colin Wong 6-3, 6-1; Dominic Inglot (Bri) bt Ahmad Deedat Abd Razak 6-1, 6-4; 2nd rd: Michael Yani (US) by Syed Agil Syed Naguib 7-5, 6-1; Riccardo Ghedin (Ita) bt Alexander Peya (Aut) 6-2, 6-4; Julian Knowle 9Aut) bt Christopher Rungkat (Ina) 6-3, 6-2; Toshihide Matsui (Jpn) bt Bruno Soares (Bra) 7-6 (7-5), 3-4 rtd; Dominic Inglot (Bri) bt Nick Lindahl (Aus) 6-3, 6-4, Sanam Singh (Ind) by Si Yew Ming 6-0, 6-1; Treat Conrad Huey (Phi) bt Woong Sun Jun (Kor) 6-3, 7-6 (7-3). -www.nst.com.my
