HCM CITY (VNS) — Ly Hoang Nam and his partner Sumit Nagal lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-10 in their first men's doubles match of the ATP Challenger Viet Nam Open yesterday in HCM City.

The Wimbledon's boys' champions were defeated by Japanese pair Matsui Toshihide/UchiyamaYasutaka in about an hour.

The loss of the champions was partly due to Nagal's illness suffered before the match.

Nam and Nagal will both compete in the singles event today.

Nam will see No 2 seed James Duckworth of Australia while Nagal will face No 3 Menendez Maceiras from Spain.

Earlier yesterday, Viet Nam national champion Pham Minh Tuan lost 2-6, 2-6 to Yang Tsung-hua of Chinese Taipei in the men's singles.

"It is a big loss but I tried my best. It would be a good experience for me for the future," said Tuan.

Viet Nam Open which closes on Sunday organisers will present a bonus of US$50,000 and 90 points to the winners. — VNS