MIN Seong Kim’s skills are yet to be matched as he leads the Boys Singles 16 category of the 2021 Tan Siu Lin CNMI Junior Tennis Tournament.
At American Memorial Park on Saturday, Kim faced Andrew Chung.
In the first set, Kim was dominant as he showcased his defensive awareness with successful returns and precision shots. Chung failed to put a dent on Kim’s wall, losing 0-6.
But Chung returned to the second set as a different player. He tightened his grip and mixed up his all-around game. Both players traded shots with neither gaining an edge, forcing a tie-breaker.
Despite Chung’s efforts, however, Kim remained on his toes and finished strong to finally triumph 7-6(5).
On Sunday, Kim faced his next challenger, Sam Culp, and what followed was a veritable battle royale.
Culp was ascendant in the first set as his constant pressure and deep returns forced Kim to answer with lobs which allowed Culp the opportunity to finish with a variety of shots.
Kim also had his fair share of highlights, but Culp was more aggressive as he clinched victory in the first set, 6-4.
However, Kim shook off the jitters in the second set and regained the spotlight.
Even with Culp reapplying pressure, Kim’s defensive efforts were more than enough to fend off his opponent’s onslaught.
Kim’s precision lobs and quick serves eventually caught Culp off-guard who lost 4-6 as Kim forced a tie-breaking set.
The third set was another thriller filled with fierce back and forth action. Towards the end, however, Kim made two crucial plays to eke out a 13-11 win.
Kim now leads with two wins followed by Cody Shimizu with one win. Andrew Chung has one loss while Culp has two losses.
Other matches
In the Boys Singles 10 category, Quido Lucas Jambor and Nathan Su are sharing the top spot. Jambor defeated Jin Ho Park 6-1 while Su took down Michael Min Joon 6-4.
As for the Boys Singles 12 category, Si Won Lee will face Emmon Tang while Nason Wessel goes head-to-head with Yutaka Kadukura.
In the Boys Singles 14 category, June Yu will go mano a mano with Henry Choi while Simon Tang squares off with Wataru Kadokura.
In the Boys Singles 14 category, it will be Jimin Woo vs. Sean Lee while Seongeon Heo is paired against Sam Ryu.
Min Seong Kim reaches for the backhand return during a Boys Singles 16 match in the 2021 TSL CNMI Junior Tennis Tournament, Sunday, at an American Memorial Park tennis court.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Sam Culp connects the return during a Boys Singles 16 match in the 2021 TSL CNMI Junior Tennis Tournament, Sunday, at an American Memorial Park tennis court.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
