There’s hope for the juniors to give Malaysian tennis a big lift in the region.

The Malaysian team put up an impressive performance in Jakarta yesterday to emerge winners of the South-east Asian region in the Junior Fed Cup qualifiers.

The Malaysian team beat Vietnam 3-0 to reach the final before they overcame Philippines 2-1.

Philippines had earlier beaten Kazakhstan 2-1 to set up a final encounter against Malaysia.

Hayden Khoo Menon gave Malaysia the lead in the tie against Vietnam, beating Nyugen Quang Vinh 7-6,6-3 in the first singles.

Second singles player Mitsuki Leong Wei Kang beat Pham Hoang Hieu 6-1,6-1 and he partnered Daniel Prickett to overcome Truong Vihn Hien-Quang Vinh 6-1,6-1 to clinch the tie.

Coach S. Selvarajoo fielded the same line-up against the Filipinos on Sunday but Hayden lost to the more superior Pascua Joewnynrey 4-6,3-6.

Malaysia hit back when Mitsuki brushed aside Tortal Rupert Ohrelle 6-3,6-0 to level the score.

All eyes were on the deciding doubles match to determine the winners and Mitsuki-Prickett did not disappoint.

The Malaysians claimed the first set 6-3 but lost the second narrowly in a tie breaker 7-9.

The deciding set went to a super tie break and the Malaysian pair prevailed 10-7.

Selvarajoo paid tribute to the players for the sacrifices they made.

“It’s not easy for the kids to make sure they excel in sports. The time, effort and every sacrifice counts, ” said Selvarajoo.

“I have to thank the parents for their contributions. This success is not about the coach’s desire alone but the co-operation from all.

“This is for Mitsuki, Daniel and Hayden. Their never-say-die attitude for every point, is amazing, ” he added.