Bad start: Defending champion Lam Quang Tri lost his first round match at the National Top Players' Tennis Tournament in HCM City. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

HCM CITY   (VNS) — Champion Lam Quang Tri failed to defend his title at the National Top Players' Tennis Tournament in HCM City after he withdrew yesterday because of injury.

Host athlete Tri lost the first set 6-7 (3) to younger rival Vu Aterm of Binh Duong and drew 4-4 in the second set before asking for retirement.

In the second match of the Group B, youngster Nguyen Van Phuong could not create another bang after losing easily 4-6, 5-7 to veteran Hoang Hai in an all-Binh Duong clash.

On Sunday, 14-year-old Phuong created an earthquake of sorts when beating experienced Huynh Chi Khuong, 33, 6-3, 3-6, 10-6 in the qualifying round.

Tri will play Phuong in the second round match today.

In the Group A, title favourites Pham Minh Tuan and Trinh Linh Giang took their wins.

Tuan of Da Nang overcame Military's Dang Ngoc Vinh 6-2, 6-1) while Ha Noi's Giang defeated teammate Nguyen Dac Tien 6-0, 6-3.

In the women's competition, Huynh Phi Khanh won 6-4, 6-3 over Dao Mai Trang in an all-HCM City match in the Group B.

Phan Thi Thanh Binh of Da Nang was defeated by 13-year-old Lian Tran 2-6, 4-6.

Group A also saw a surprise when Tran Thi Tam Hao went down tamely to Si Boi Ngoc 1-6, 4-6. Both them were from the hosts.

Earlier, Nguyen Ngoc Minh Phuong of Thai Nguyen trounced Be Xuyen from Kien Giang 6-3, 6-2.

The tournament, which is known as the Vietravel Cup, also sees the doubles events at the Phu Tho Tennis Club.

Military duo Thanh Hoang/Chi Khuong beat teammates Trung Tinh/Hoang Hieu 6-1, 6-4.

Huu Vinh/Thai Luan of HCM City were beaten 0-6, 3-6 Dac Tien/ Linh Giang from capital city.

The women's clashes will begin today.

The tournament will close on December 25. — VNS