Lee Hyung-taik missed the title

Lee Hyung-Taik (25, Samsung) unfortunately failed to win the men’s single title at an ATP tour, the US Men’s Clay Court Championships(total prizemoney $ 350,000), Houston, Texas.

Lee, the only Korean ever to reach in final, had to be satisfied with a victory in the semifinals, defeated by American Andy Roddick (19), a rising star of the U. S., 0-2(5-7, 3-6).

Lee said that, I, even though defeated, learned how to handle the match, and could find out my development. And in an interview with Assoricated Press(AP), he said that I found out that the bright future lays in my life.

Roddick, won titles for two consecutive weeks, praised Lee, he played very well hitting unbelievably good shots.

Lee Hyung-Taik earned $ 24,000 and 120 ranking point, and moved up to 70th rank in the world pronounced on 7th , jumping 11 ranks over last week’s. This is the best record that Korean player won.

He is planning to decide to take part in the Challengers according to his condition. And he will prepare himself for French Open, the second major tournament of this season, held in the end of this month, while playing in an ATP tour at the Internationaler Paiffeisen Grand Prix (total prizemoney $ 425,000) on 21st.

Kim Jong-Seok kjs0123@donga.com