Lý Hoàng Nam advances to the second round at the Japan F3 tournament. VNS Photo

KOFU — Lý Hoàng Nam came from behind to enter the second round of the Kofu International Open Tennis in Japan.

Nam, seeded World No 886, defeated Yu Cheng-Yu of Chinese Taipei 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, in the men’s singles event yesterday.

In the first set, Nam could not survive against a rival who was two years older and ranks 117 steps higher in the world. He could not cope with Yu’s strong services and rapid forehands.

But the second set saw the Vietnamese improve, saving every chance before winning the only break point, to level the result.

In the final set, Nam took three break points, while Yu had one and lost the match after two hours and 46 minutes.

Nam’s next opponent will be No 1 seed Lee Duck-hee of South Korea, the World No 232, who had earlier defeated host player Kikuchi Gengo 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. — VNS