Tennis: Statham shows resolve to keep his nose in front

Rubin Statham, 17, came from behind in both sets to beat Dan King-Turner 6-4, 6-4 in the battle to decide Heineken Open wildcard places. Picture / Amos Chapple

Rubin Statham is the only unbeaten player after day two of playoffs for the Heineken Open wildcard positions at the Remuera Rackets Club.

The 17-year-old won his second match in a row, defeating Dan King-Turner 6-4, 6-4, proving again that consistent length on his groundstrokes and fitness are his key weapons.

The Aucklander found himself behind early as King-Turner reeled off winning shots, but the tenacious teenager worked his way back into the match.

King-Turner's serve started to fall away as Statham won the first set and came from behind again in the second.

King-Turner was serving at 4-4 in the second set when he double faulted to give Statham a break and a 5-4 lead. Statham held serve for the match and a handy lead in the search to find two out of the six Kiwis to gain places in January 10-15 tournament.

Mark Nielsen also won his match against GD Jones.

Jones won the first set 6-4 and was up in the second when Nielsen showed plenty of resolve to win 7-5. He then cleaned up the third easily to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.
William Ward defeated Adam Thompson 6-2, 6-3 in a testy encounter.

The tournament is still wide open, with Statham holding a 2-0 win-loss record followed by Nielsen, King-Turner, Jones and Ward at one win, one loss. Thompson has had two losses.

Ward plays Nielsen in the feature match today, with Statham facing Thompson and King-Turner playing Jones.

Nielsen will particularly want to beat Ward to prove he is still No 1 in rankings and also on the court.