Tennis: Jones leads pack for Open place

GD Jones heads into the final day of the Heineken Open wildcard playoff in the box seat of the round-robin tournament. But even with three wins from four matches, he is still not certain of a main draw singles place.

Jones defeated William Ward in straight sets on day four at the Remuera Rackets Club and looks the obvious choice for one of the coveted two international tournament spots. However, a loss in the final round, where he plays Rubin Statham, will mean countbacks are used.

Close behind Jones are Mark Nielsen, Statham, Adam Thompson and Ward, all on two wins and two losses. Dan King-Turner cannot make the top two but could be the spoiler on the final day when he plays Ward.

Nielsen got his chances back on track with a win over Statham 6-0, 7-6 (2).

Thompson stayed a contender by beating King-Turner in straight sets. He now faces Nielsen.

If two players are equal on wins or points at the completion of day five, their head to head record will be used. If three are equal, the player with the highest percentage of sets won will be used to find the two wildcard recipients.