Tennis: Kiwi produces centre court upset

G D Jones

G D Jones today became the first New Zealander in more than two decades to qualify for the main draw of ATP Tour tennis event in Auckland with a big upset on centre court.

Jones, 21, beat Italian Alberto Brizzi 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 in two hours to join wildcard compatriots Dan King-Turner and Rubin Statham in the Heineken Open event proper.

Ranked No 1213 in the world, Jones was conceding more than 900 places to Brizzi, but showed great determination to remain in touch throughout the contest.

He fought back from 2-4 down in the second set to win the next four games and convert match point at the first opportunity.

The result meant Jones did not drop a set in three qualifying matches.

The last New Zealander to make the main draw in Auckland through qualifying was Malcolm Elley in 1986. Elley went on to lose to compatriot David Mustard in the first round.

- NZPA