Czech ends Aussie run in Launceston
Unheralded Czech Barbora Krejicova has defeated Aussies Kimberly Birrell and Jaimee Fourlis to reach the semifinals of the ITF $60,000 event in Launceston.
Launceston TAS, Australia, 10 February 2017 | David Packman
Unseeded Czech Barbora Krejicova has removed the last of the Australians at the Neville Smith Forest Products Launceston International after defeating Kimberly Birrell and Jaimee Fourlis in consecutive matches to reach the semifinals.
With rain washing out play the previous day, both second round and quarterfinal matches were played on Friday giving the world No.245 the opportunity to shine.
After ousting Birrell 7-5 6-2, the 21-year-old went on to overpower rising teenager Fourlis – who reached the second round of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park last month as a wildcard – in their quarterfinal clash, 6-2 6-4.
The biggest casualty on Friday was top seed and defending champion Xinyun Han. After winning her second round clash earlier, the Chinese faded against sixth-seeded American Jamie Loeb, bowing out 1-6 6-3 6-1.
Burnie International champion Asia Muhammad – the No.5 seed – continued her love affair with Tasmania, moving through with a straight sets win over her fellow American Kristie Ahn. Meanwhile, fourth seed Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia progressed after Brit Katy Dunne retired midway through their match.
Zidansek will now meet Krejicova in the first semifinal while the second will see an all-American clash between Muhammad and Loeb.
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