KEY POINTS:
There's still life in one of the veterans of tennis in New Zealand, as Mark Nielsen proved it's best not to count him out of a match until the last point is finished.
The 31-year-old fifth seed who reached a career-high world ranking of 172 in May 2000, beat second seed Dan King-Turner 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in a match lasting more than three hours and featuring a third set tie break to make the final of the New Zealand residentials at North Harbour.
Nielsen, who won the title twice in the 1990s, was his typical deliberate self on every point but it has left him in the national final even after two years off from a ban where the drug involved has been made legal again.
Meanwhile, in the women's semifinals someone less than half Nielsen's age has become the surprise package to contest the final. Russian-born Tanya Samodelok defeated the now semi-retired Leanne Baker 7-5, 7-5 to set up a clash with Di Hollands.
Hollands won the residential title two years ago and had to fight hard to overcome Kairangi Vano for the third time in tournaments in just over a week.
This time it was a 7-6 (6), 7-5 victory for Hollands who has the chance to make it five wins from five in domestic events. Last Sunday she beat Samodelok, 14, in the final of the West End Cup.
While Nielsen's victory over the 462nd-ranked King-Turner was testament to grit and determination, the other semifinal had a more relaxed approach to it.
Kiwi No 1 Rubin Statham beat Adam Thompson in three sets after some lengthy rallies 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and will play in his first residentials final.
The finals are tonight from 6pm, indoors at the North Harbour Tennis Park.
Statham has been granted a main draw wildcard into next month's Heineken Open.
The 21-year-old from Auckland made dramatic improvements in his game this year after starting the year ranked over 550 in the world. He now sits at a career-high of 414 despite being out with a thumb injury.