Tired Lee may miss team tennis, says South Korea coach

DOHA, Nov 28 (Reuters) South Korea's Lee Hyung-taik may skip the Asian Games team tennis event after a gruelling ATP season, coach Jeon Young-dai said today.

Lee, Asian No.2 behind Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, is one of the favourites for gold in the men's singles at the Games in the Qatari capital, but after a long season his conditioning has become an issue.

''During the last four months Lee reached the top 40 in the world rankings and he is very tired after the long season,'' said Jeon. ''I am a little bit concerned about his condition and I am not yet sure if he will play in the men's team event.'' Lee scored a personal-best 23 match wins at ATP level this year and reached the semi-final of the China Open in September.

He was the first South Korean to win an ATP Tour singles event (Sydney 2003) and has represented his country at the last three Olympic Games.

''I hope to win the gold medal, but the overall level of Asian tennis players has improved a lot,'' he said.

''Paradorn will probably be the toughest opponent.'' The men's team event begins on December 4, with the singles due to start on December 9.

Reuters PDS RN2000