Yew Ming Out To Gain 'Swede' Experience

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Despite being paired at the 11th hour with Joachim Johansson in the inaugural US$1 million (RM3.5 million) Malaysian Open tennis championship, Malaysia's top player Si Yew Ming is optimistic of gaining valuable experience and exposure.

"Though time is against us, we will find some time to train together before our first round main draw match on Wednesday," said Yew Ming who was given a wildcard to play in the men's doubles main draw with the Swede.

Johansson is world ranked 446th and had represented his country in the Davis Cup semi-final against the United States this year.

The pair will be up against Marcelo Melo of Brazil and Andre Rezende of South Africa in their first match.

On Saturday, Yew Ming, one of the seven Malaysian players who featured in the singles qualifying, put up a stiff fight before bowing out to Poland's Mariusz Fyrstenberg 6-4, 5-7, 7-6.

"I've learnt a lot of new things playing in this tournament and I need to improve my playing skills, particularly to hit the ball as hard as possible," he said.

-- BERNAMA

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