Mixed results for Kiwis at ITF World Tour event in Wellington

Wildcard James Watt is through to the second round at the ITF US $15,000 tournament in Wellington after a 6-4 6-1 win over Australian Zaharjie-Zak Talic. It was the only men’s singles match to take place.

There was plenty of action in the women’s singles with Renee Zhang beating Aussie Breanna Cerasa 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 in two hours and five minutes in what was probably the match of the day.

Wildcard Louise Oxnevad has lost 6-4, 7-5 to Australian Milan Krish while Shona Nakano was beaten 6-3 6-1 by Aussie Mia Repac. Wildcard Stella Cliffe went down 6-3 6-4 to Shria Atturu of the US.

Young qualifier Tuatao Taleia lost to Aussie 3^rd seed Catherine Aulia 6-1 6-2.

Jade Otway cruised to a 6-0 6-0 win over Aussie Abigail Gunawan in 39 minutes. 5^th seed Vivian Yang was too strong for Greek qualifier Alkmini Giannakogiorgou winning 6-3 6-1.

But there was disappointment for New Zealand’s Valentina Ivanov who had to withdraw before her first-round match and was replaced in the draw by a lucky loser.

The remaining men’s and women’s first round singles matches will be played on Wednesday with Ajeet Rai, Kiranpal Pannu and Corban Crowther all underway in their first round matches at 10am.