Ly Hoang Nam dethrones Rungkat to lead ATP's Southeast Asian rankings

Vietnam’s no. 1 tennis player Ly Hoang Nam overcame Indonesia’s Christopher Rungkat to become the highest-ranked Southeast Asian player in the ATP men’s world standings, announced on July 24.

Ly Hoang Nam has continuously climbed up the ATP world rankings in recent years.

Nam added three more points to his ATP rating after advancing to the men’s singles quarterfinals at the recent China F12 Futures tournament, thereby reaching a new, career-best, milestone as world no. 471 with 81 points.

Meanwhile, dropping to 475th position with 79 points, Indonesian Rungkat was unable to continue defending his domination of Southeast Asia, but surrendered it to the Vietnamese star.

However, the fight for the region’s top spot between Nam and Rungkat promises to be interesting in the future, as the gap between them remains just two points, equivalent to two wins at a Men’s Futures competition.

Ly Hoang Nam and Christopher Rungkat are the odd-on favourites for the men’s singles crown at the upcoming 29th SEA Games to be held in Malaysia. Hopes are being pinned on Nam to bring home the first SEA Game singles gold medal for Vietnamese tennis, while Rungkat has been crowned champion in the last three SEA Games.

In the men’s doubles rankings, Nam ranks inferior to the Indonesian player with a modest 415th position, compared to Rungkat’s 120th place.

(Source: NDO)