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Somdev, Mirza hit final stretch
It was unexpected, to say the least. Nobody doubted top-seed Somdev Devvarman's ability to cruise to the final of the Commonwealth Games But it was 21-year-old Australian Greg Jones's advancement to the final that came as a surprise.
It was unexpected, to say the least. Nobody doubted top-seed Somdev Devvarman's ability to cruise to the final of the Commonwealth Games But it was 21-year-old Australian Greg Jones's advancement to the final that came as a surprise.
Ranked 234 and seeded fifth, Jones edged out compatriot Peter Luczak 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-2.
Third-seed Aussie Matt Ebden, playing after a tiresome three-setter against Englishman Josh Goodall on Thursday, was at the receiving end of a 3-6, 1-6 beating at the hands of Somdev, with the Indian dominating from the very first game where he had broken Ebden's serve.
Second-seed Sania Mirza began her tie against sixth-seed Olivia Rogowska from Australia on a piteous note. Her serve failed her repeatedly and 19-year old Rogowska broke her in every single game to pick up the set 6-1.
Mirza came back into the game after being broken in the fourth game of the second set, much to the swelling audience's delight. She won the set 6-4 after breaking Rogowska's serve in the ninth game while in the third set, Mirza broke the Aussie's serve in the very first game.
However, despite a comfortable 5-2 lead, Sania committed two crucial double-faults in the sixth and eighth games to allow Rogowska a chance. Sania however, made amends to win 6-4.
"I'm happy with the win. I had a disappointing start and she made me work but I'm happy with the way I fought back," said Mirza who will now face top-seed Australian Anastasia Rodionova in the final on Saturday.
