Liston Seagulls have inflicted a repeat dose of their medicine on the Kooyong Classics in the Asia Pacific Tennis League men’s playoffs.
The top seeded Seagulls mowed over the Classics in today’s quarter final with an emphatic four rubbers to nil scoreline.
Back in November, the Seagulls clinched the Victorian conference title, downing the Classics in the grand final four rubbers to one.
In today’s action, Sam Groth, the top ranked player for the Seagulls, had a tough time against former Liston player Andrew Whittington. Groth had to fight back from a set down to eventually win 3-4 4-2 4-1.
Matt Reid had a much easier time of it, blitzing Daniel Byrnes 4-1 4-2 in straight sets.
In a little quirk, Rubin Statham and James Lemke won their respective battles over David Bitmeade and Mitchell Burman with identical scorelines to that of Reid’s.
The final score was 4-8-35 to 0-1-16 to the Seagulls.
Other winning teams on the opening day of ATL were ATP Sydney (NSW) over Giants (WA) 6-11-49 to 0-3-26, Tennis Brisbane Chargers (QLD) over Pacific Oceania Dolphins (Pacific) 6-12-48 to 0-0-17 and New Zealand Kauris (NZ) over Glenlea Gators (SA) 4-8-38 to 2-4-28.
The action continues tomorrow on the outside courts at Melbourne Park.
The semi-finals will see Liston Seagulls taking on Tennis Brisbane Chargers and New Zealand Kauris against ATP Sydney. Both semis are scheduled for a 5pm start.
Ground pass holders to the Australian Open tomorrow will get access to the ATL playoffs.
