Tennis: Upsets at wildcard event

A couple of upsets at the Heineken Open wildcard tennis playoffs has set up some big matches in the event in Auckland tomorrow.

The six-man New Zealand round-robin tournament was split wide open today as the previously winless Adam Thompson beat the previously unbeaten Rubin Statham in three sets.

In extremely windy conditions, Thompson dropped the first set 3-6 but held his nerve to stage a comeback and eventually win 3-6 7-5 7-5.

Also scoring a minor upset was William Ward, who charged the net at almost ever opportunity to beat top seed Mark Nielsen 6-3 7-5.

In the third match, GD Jones came from a set behind and 0-2 down in the second to beat Dan King-Turner 6-7 6-2 6-3.

Three players now stand with two wins and one loss -- Jones, Statham and Ward.

King-Turner, Nielsen and Thompson have a one win, two loss record.

King-Turner and Thompson meet tomorrow, with the loser effectively out of contention for one of the two main draw wildcards for next month's Heineken Open.

Ward and Jones are also clashing tomorrow, while Nielsen meets Statham.

- NZPA