Canberra’s Alison Bai pushed top seed Miyu Kato (JPN) all the way, but it wasn’t enough, with Kato securing a hard fought three set win at the ACT Claycourt International #1. Bai got off to a great start in the first set, taking it 6-2. Kato played herself back into the match, winning the second set by the same score. Things remained on serve early in the third until Bai secured a break at 2-2. She was unable to consolidate though, with Kato breaking straight back. With Bai serving at 5-6, Kato brought up two match points. Bai managed to save the first, however Kato hit a short cross court backhand return winner to secure the victory.
The ACT’s other local hope Ashley Keir, also fell to up and coming Australian Destanee Aiava (VIC). In a big hitting match, Aiava broke Keir in the second game and went out to a 3-0 lead. Aiava held onto the break closing out the first set 6-3. Aiava continued her strong form in the second set, winning it 6-3 to set up a second round match up with number three see Ya-Hsuan Lee (TPE)
Seventh seed Arina Rodionova (VIC) was forced to come from behind in her match after dropping the first set in a tiebreak to Barbora Stefkova (CZE). Rodionova went out to a 5-2 lead in the second, but Stefkova rallied to force a tiebreak. The Australian took the tiebreak 7-5, then dominated the third set, winning it 6-1.
In other matches, Tammi Patterson (VIC) was dominate in her victory over fellow qualifier Sally Peers (VIC) dropping just 3 games. Wildcard Olivia Tjandramulia (QLD) upset fellow Australian Jessica Moore (WA) 7-6, 6-0. Qualifier Vivian Heisen (GER) upset eighth seed Varatchaya Wongteanchai (THA) in straight sets, while Pia Konig (AUT) beat Jaimee Fourlis (VIC).
2nd round singles matches will take place tomorrow along with doubles quarter finals. Fourth seeds, Bai and Lee will face Ashleigh Barty (QLD) and Rodionova for a place in the doubles semifinals.
Entry into the Canberra Tennis Centre is free, with singles play commencing at 10am, while doubles is scheduled for not before 2.00pm. Tournament draws and the order of play can be found here. Live scoring is available here. Live streaming is available here
The ACT Claycourt International #1 and #2 will be held at the Canberra Tennis Centre from March 12-27. Each tournament will offer $25,000 in prizemoney and will be held on the recently redeveloped European clay courts.
The tournaments were announced in May, 2015 as part of the Tennis ACT calendar of events secured through the redevelopment of the Canberra Tennis Centre.
The redeveloped Canberra Tennis Centre features 28 tennis courts – including synthetic grass, Italian clay and hardcourt surfaces – as well as four ANZ Tennis Hot Shots courts.
For more information about the Australian Pro Tour visit tennis.com.au/protour
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