KUALA LUMPUR: Professional tennis player Mitsuki Leong is hoping to build on his momentum after finishing runner-up at the ITF futures tournament (M15) in Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday (July 7).
Mitsuki upset Australian Jake Delaney 6-2, 6-3 in the quarterfinals before downing India's Adil Kalyanpur 6-1, 6-1 in the semi-finals.
Thailand's Kasidit Samrej, however, beat Mitsuki 6-4, 6-3 in the final.
Mitsuki, 19, said it was a positive week for him after what has been a slow start to the season.
"The week went pretty well, I was able to upset the second seed (Delaney) in the quarterfinals, and the semi-final was quite straight-forward," said Mitsuki when contacted in Thailand today (July 8).
"I had a few chances here and there in the final, but couldn't take them.
"My opponent (Kasidit) has a big serve and a big forehand. When he connected, there was not much I could do. He also played big on the important points.
"But still, I am happy with my overall performance here as I have not been past the second round in tournaments I have played in this year. It gives me added confidence to do well.
"I am playing in another tournament here (at the same venue) this week and, hopefully, I can reach the final again.
Mitsuki expressed appreciation to his sponsors, KL Kepong, Weil Hotel, Sanctband Global, HTM Pharmacy, Perak State Sports Council and Wilson Malaysia.
Nakhon Si Thammarat hosts a number of futures tournaments each year, which are spread across the season. Mitsuki won his maiden M15 tournament there in September last year.