New Zealanders dominate singles semi-finals in Wellington

It will be an all-New Zealand title decider in both the men’s and women’s singles at the ITF World Tour tournament in Wellington.

Men’s top seed Ajeet Rai is through to play surprise packet James Watt in the men’s final while fifth seed Vivian Yang will meet Jade Otway in the women’s final.

Rai had to dig deep to reach the men’s final, battling for 2 hours 22 minutes before beating Australian Kody Pearson 4-6 7-6 (5) 6-4. By contrast wildcard Watt playing in his first professional tournament was able to watch Jeremy Beale beat Isaac Becroft 6-4 6-4 before easing past the Aussie 6-3 6-4 in another impressive performance.

Yang was dominant against third seeded Australian Catherine Aulia winning 6-2 6-3 in an hour and 12 minutes. Otway was equally impressive in blowing away Aussie Mia Repac 6-3 6-1 in an hour and 18 minutes.

Third seeds Finn Reynolds and Australian Jake Delaney are the men’s doubles champions after a 6-2 6-7 (4) 10-8 win over Kody Pearson and Isaac Becroft.