TOP SEED CRUSHED
Teenager in early International boilover
TENNIS: Eighteen-year-old Queenslander Dane Sweeny pulled off an early Hooper Accountants Toowoomba International sensation yesterday when he sent the tournament top seed packing.
Sweeny - an International wildcard entry - came from behind to oust Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 in their round-one meeting on centre court.
There was better news for top ranked Australians in the women’s draw with second seed Destiny Aiava cruising through over fellow Aussie Zara Brankovic 6-3, 6-1.
Other Australian roundone winners included Alison
Bai and Sara Tomic.
Australia’s Luke Saville got his International campaign off to a solid start with 7-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over New Zealand’s Alexander Klintcharov.
“I’ve got great memories from Toowoomba, winning the doubles here last year and making the final of the singles a couple of years back,” Saville said.
“I’m in good form at the moment. I made the final of the Brisbane future last week so I’m looking for another good run this week.
“I came through qualifying because I didn’t enter here
“There was a bit of a lastminute schedule change so I’m looking forward to competing here.
“I enjoy being in Toowoomba and hopefully playing some good tennis.”
Defending men’s champion Maverick Banes is hoping a return to the scene of his 2018 Toowoomba triumph can provide him with a welcome confidence boost.
“Hopefully I can go similar to last year and win a few matches here,” Banes said yesterday.
“I feel good playing here so hopefully I can have a bit of luck and get a bit of confidence back.”
Play continues today at 10am. Spectator entry is free.