Commonwealth Games Update 5

Quarter-finals saw Greg feature on Centre Court against No. 4 seed 23 year old English player James Ward, who has a similar ranking to Greg, at 227, with a high of 187. It should be a keenly contested match. Both players were also eager to put hawk-eye to the test.

QF match on Centre Court

With Greg serving first it was a tough start for Greg, forced to save 7 break points in his first two games, which he did, much to Ward's frustration. At 2-1 down Ward then saved a break point to even at 2-2. Greg held for 3-2 then, against the run of play, converted another break point opportunity on Ward's next service game to lead 4-2. He strongly served out the next game with 3 aces to consolidate the break and lead 5-2. Ward held for 5-3 forcing Greg to serve for the set, which he did to win it 6-3.



Greg serving



The start of the 2nd set saw Greg pounce, bringing up 2 break-points on Ward's 1st serve, converting to lead 1-0. Greg then had to save a breakpoint on his serve, which he did, and then held to go 2-0 up. Greg had two break-point opportunities in the next game but Ward was up to the challenge and served an ace, then held for 2-1. Greg served well for 3-1 and then forced Ward to 15-40, converting to go a double break 4-1 up.

Ward responded and upped the ante, getting Greg to 0-40. Three brilliant aces later Greg was back at deuce and held advantage to win the game and go 5-1 up. James held for 5-2 and Greg was forced again to serve for the set and this time the match. With new balls he served confidently, winning the set 6-2 and advancing to the semis, with a 6-3, 6-2 win and a chance to play for the medals.



Hawk-eye on the big screen



A very good, composed performance by Greg.

BTW he got his 1st challenge wrong but did get 1 out of three go his way.

He faces up against team mate and No.2 seed Peter Luczak in the semi-final round