Cambodian junior tennis players are participating in an intense tennis training camp in Bangkok along with 16 other budding stars from Nepal, Pakistan, Lebanon and Malaysia.

The ITF/ATF Under 16 Development Camp will be heading into its most challenging part in the next few days, according to Tennis Cambodia’s travelling coach Laura Pola.

She will be keeping an eye on Sen Sophon, Leng Sarinreach, Khleang Punlok and Ho Sreynoch, the only female player on the team.

This unique training camp is jointly organised by the World and Asian governing bodies and specifically designed to help emerging talent acquire advanced training.

It is being run by Thai tennis expert Pracharapol Khamsaman with the help of coaches attached to the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand.

“Every day during the first week, the players were put through fitness training, practice sessions and match play ending the day with one hour of physical workouts,” the coach told the Post yesterday.

The intensity of these routines has already made an impact on their endurance levels and mental strength.” Pola said.

‘Flexibility and speed’

“Players have grown more competitive in practice and beginning to enjoy the team environment. Now they are getting ready for the final push during the week” the coach said.

“At the start of the camp, the players were put through tests on physique, strength, flexibility and speed, and they will go through the process once again at the end of the camp,” the Cambodian coach continued.

Many of the players attending the camp will be taking part in tournaments Thailand will be holding in the coming weeks. Sarinreach and Punlok are likely to return for a couple of those events.