Tennis: King-Turner makes break points count at qualifier

New Zealand tennis player Dan King-Turner won his first match at the Australian Open qualifiers yesterday.

King-Turner, ranked 257 in the world, put his Heineken Open first round defeat to fellow New Zealander Rubin Statham behind him as he defeated American Todd Widom 6-4, 6-4.

He did so despite a first serve percentage of 48 per cent, three double faults and six unforced errors, though he did serve seven aces.

King-Turner struggled for most of the first set, giving Widom five break point opportunities.

But he saved every break point against him, and took the only break point which Widom presented him - on set point.

He went a break down in the second set but broke back in the middle of the set.

King-Turner's ability to win the points that mattered won the match. Widom was only able to convert one of eight break point opportunities, while King-Turner converted all three of his.

King-Turner needs two more wins to qualify for the Australian Open main draw. He next faces either world No112 Kevin Kim of the United States or No443 Kaden Hensel of Australia.

- NZPA