Sammy Lee (left) and Jonathan Truong (right) competing at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Reign Storm.
Sammy Lee (left) and Jonathan Truong (right) competing at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Reign Storm. Courtesy: Jonathan Truong

Qualifiers Truong, Lee surge into Round of 16 as first-time partners

On Monday, Jonathan Truong/Sammy Lee found themselves match point down against Daniel Byun/Victor Rodrigo in the second round of men’s pro doubles qualifying.

Two days and three matches later, the No. 41 seeds are into the Round of 16 in San Clemente after an 11-9, 11-4 victory over No. 9 seeds Roscoe Bellamy/Matt Wright.

 

Not too shabby for a first-time partnership.

“He’s super steady, super solid,” Truong said of Lee. “I know I can count on him to make every ball and bail me out when I take risky shots. We can both play both sides, which gives us flexibility, and I think our contrasting styles—me being more aggressive, him being more consistent—make us a strong pairing.”

In Tuesday’s Round of 64, Truong/Lee kicked off their main draw campaign with an 11-9, 12-10 victory over No. 17 seeds Rafa Hewett/Juan Benitez.

That win got the ball rolling.

“Beating Rafa and Juan was a huge confidence boost,” Lee mentioned. “We found our groove late in both games but grinded it out. Then to come back the next day and take out Roscoe and Matt is a great feeling.”

Up next for the pairing is a clash against No. 6 seeds James Ignatowich/Collin Johns with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.

“We’re playing loose, having fun, and just trying to continue this run,” Lee added. “We have confidence in each other and believe we can beat anyone.”