Rin Sophanaro won the third annual Tep Khunnah Memorial Cup tennis title Saturday, defeating Pel Vanna 7-5, 6-3 at the Olympic Stadium complex.
The tournament is the most prestigious of those organized annually by the Tennis Federation of Cambodia. More than 90 players, including 17 foreigners competed in the tournament, which ran for two and a half weeks.
The 25-year-old champion won $100 for his work; while Pel Vanna, 15, took home $50. Both players are members of the National Tennis Academy.
Rin Sophanaro also placed second in the men’s doubles bracket, falling in the final with partner Chhan Thy to winners Chea Pouv and Thun Tola 6-4, 6-7, 7-6. In the 1997 Tep Khunnah cup, Rin Sophanaro won the men’s doubles title with Chea Pouv, and finished runner-up in the men’s open division to Chhan Thy.
Bernard Marchand, who coaches the two finalists, said he was pleased with the development of Cambodia’s young talent.
“They are working hard,” said Marchand, who is the technical adviser to the tennis federation.
Thun Tola finished third in the men’s open division, while Yi Sarin and Chhit Davin placed third in the doubles competition. The men’s B Singles draw was won by Pel Sam Oeun, who beat Sok Samath 6-1, 6-7, 6-2 in the final.
Commerce Undersecretary of State of Kam Sithon attended Saturday morning’s final match and said the government hopes to stimulate sport in Cambodia by setting up more athletic programs at local high schools.
