Rising Wanganui tennis prospect Dana Hiri has fully justified her late inclusion in the Tennis Central tournament this weekend.
The 15-year-old wrapped up two days of competition with an impressive second place in the 16s age group after winning four of her five matches.
And that should be enough to secure her a spot in the Central squad for the National Junior Teams event at Ashburton in April. The Central region comprises Wanganui, Taranaki, Manawatu, greater Wellington, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa.
Playing on her home court, Hiri beat Olivia Booth (Wellington) 4-6, 6-1, 6-0; Olivia Wells (Wellington) 6-4, 2-6, 6-0; Chantelle Roussow (Manawatu) 6-3, 6-2; and Sophie Robertson (Taranaki) 6-4, 6-3.
Her only defeat came yesterday at the hands of Wellington's Sara Massam when she lost 6-3, 6-1 to the eventual tournament winner.