Grady and Beattie Advance to Itf Girls Doubles semi's Christchurch

Gabrielle Grady and Leela Beattie scored a quarter final doubles win over Lucy and Rosie Bird (North Island) 6-2 6-4.After a tentative start Grady and Beattie dominated the first set with Beattie again dominant at the net.Grady who under went a series of tests at the Hospital prior to the match for back problems was a little off for the match but showed enormous courage to front up for the quarter final.They now go on to play Aussie pair O'shea and Casey in tomorrows semi finals.Beattie won through to the singles semi's with a three set win over Ayukawa from Japan.Beattie powered her way to win the first set but a determined comeback aided by some close line calls that went against Beattie saw Ayukawa win the second set 6-4 and go 3-0 up in the 3rd set before Beattie found her rhythm again and won 6 games in a row to take the set and the match 6-3. Ninaniya from Japan using her forehand as a major weapon had too much power for Golder in another quarter final winning 6-3 7-5. Carruthers moving around the court similar to Aussie Great Evonne Goolagong Cawley had too much class defeating Plant of South Africa 6-4 6-2.In the other quarter final Fourauclas was too solid for Emily Fanning winning 6-2 7-5.Unseeded French player looks the player to beat in the boys winning a three setter over Kawaski of Japan in the match of the quarter finals.Top Seed Barret Franks ( New Zealand) won his match against Kishi of Japan 7-5 6-0 and after the first two rounds matches have become easier for Franks.Sean Berman was much too steady on important points for Jayden Grinter winning 6-2 6-4 and Hachiya Japan defeated Eccleton of New Zealand 6-2 6-3. Semis get underway tomorrow.Pictured are Grady and Beattie and the Bird Sisters from center court action Wilding Park.