A change in the weather and a change in performance has seen New Zealand wildcard Marina Erakovic reach the quarter-finals of the US$10,000 International Futures tournament in Wellington.
Erakovic, 16, will be joined in the last eight by fellow Kiwi Leanne Baker, the No 7 seed, both players scoring 6-0, 6-1 wins over their opponents.
Erakovic spent 47 minutes on court to dispatch experienced Australian Trudi Musgrave.
Baker played for just 44 minutes for her win against Swede Michaela Johansson.
If they continue to play at the same level there's a distinct possibility the pair could clash in the semifinals. "I'm getting confident and hopefully this will boost me for my next round as well," Erakovic said after her match.
However, before any finals predictions Erakovic has to play Korean Ye-Ra Lee, who is ranked 575th in the world.
Baker plays American qualifier Tiffany Eklov, who beat Kiwi No 1 Shelley Stephens in the opening round.
Baker wasn't too sure how to explain her success so far which has seen her drop just four games in her two matches. "I've been playing well ... that's about it really. I was pleased to get it over with quickly."
In a delayed first-round match, top-seed Lauren Breadmore, of Australia, finally arrived in Wellington at 12.30am yesterday after flight delays because of bad weather.
Breadmore, ranked at 332 in the world, downed New Zealand qualifier Tracy O'Connor 6-3, 6-3 in an 11am match and then took the court a couple of hours later to beat countrywoman Casandra Barr.
Breadmore, a finalist in the event last year and a winner the year before, now plays fifth-seed Kyung-Mi Chang, of Korea.
The 21-year-old will be hoping her luggage finally arrives in the capital. Fortunately, she carried her racquets as hand luggage and managed to scrape together enough clothing for her matches.
Tennis: Erakovic and Baker through to the final eight
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