Asian Tournies #11

The final day of the tournament and Greg was there, having shown amazing mental toughness and endurance through four long tough three-set matches, and an injured leg, to get to the final. Another tough match faced him, against the No.1 seed and winner of last week's tournament in Korea, 26 year-old Israeli Dudi Sela, currently ranked 108, with an impressive high rank of 29. Greg needed to be 110% prepared for this match.

Dudi Sela

In the first set Dudi took control early, breaking Greg and holding serve to go a break up. Greg rallied and got a game on the board, games going to 5-2. Sela then broke Greg again, winning the set 6-2.

Hotel Asia in Fergana

In the second set, the match progressed in much the same manner. Greg was fatigued from the many games he had played in getting to the final. A very consistent player, Sela worked Greg side to side and did not miss. Greg could not get into position quick enough to hurt him, couldn't put Sela under any pressure, so once Sela had Greg out of position he was free to swing. Then once he was ahead he could afford to swing even more freely and Greg was not able to get into the match. Sela broke Greg and then went ahead again, breaking him to go go 4-1 up, then again to win the set 6-1 and a rather quick match 6-2, 6-1.

Sights of Fergana

Greg said he was rooted, had nothing left and that Sela had played very well.
Disappointing for Greg but he had a good week with some very good wins and had gained some valuable points by getting to the final, which should see his ranking go to about 216, and ensure he will gain entry into the qualifying for Wimbledon and most probably the US Open as well. All to play for for the rest of the year.

Asian Tournies #10

The semi-finals in the Fergana Challenger had Greg's match first on court, up against the No.2 seed Yuichi Sugita, currently ranked 194, with a high rank of 162 earlier this year, so in good form. Greg leads 1-0 head-to-head, Greg beating Sugita early in 2010 but Sugita has improved his ranking over 110 places since then, so a tough match could be expected.

Yuichi Sugita

Greg took charge of the 1st set and with one break of serve won the set 6-3.

Sugita hit back and matched Greg in the 2nd set, breaking Greg and serving out the set in a reverse of the scoreline 6-3, to level the scores in a very even match.

The 3rd set was a test of wills and endurance, games going to 5-5. Greg served and held, to lead 6-5. He then applied the pressure on Sugita and brought up break-point on Sugita's serve, converting the match point to win the set 7-5, and the match 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, to advance to the third Challenger final of his career.

Greg has displayed great fighting abilities and endurance this week, with all four matches going to three sets and all with very close score-lines. Let's hope he has something left in the tank for the final.

Wish him luck!

Asian Tournies #9

After completing the 2nd round match it was a quick 90 minute turn around for Greg before he was back on court for his QF match against 2008 World No.1 Junior, rising Taipei star 20 year-old Tsung-Hua Yang, now ranked 327 on the Men's ATP circuit.

Tsung-Hua Yang

Greg played solid tennis and dominated the 1st set but was not able to get the break-through despite having break point opportunities on two occasions, games going with serve to 5-5. Yang then broke Greg and served out the 1st set 7-5.
Greg said he played even better tennis in the 2nd set and this time he was able to get the vital break of serve, going on with it to win the set 6-3 and level the match at one set all.
In the 3rd set both players raised their game, holding serves easily to 4-4. Greg had a break point opportunity but Yang was playing a avery high standard and easily saved and held. At 5-5 Greg had 4 break point opportunities but again Yang responded and was able to hold serve. Greg took the set to the tie-break at 6-6. He played very aggressive tennis and was rewarded, going up 4-1. He then started cramping so decided to go for broke, hitting every ball at max power  and was able to bring up match point at 6-2, converting to win his 2nd match of the day 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(2).

Asian Tournies #8

Continuing with the rain delayed 2nd round match from yesterday, against Finn Harri Heliovaara, with the match delicately poised at 4-4 in the 3rd set, Greg had to have a solid start when faced with the daunting task of serving fresh with the game score at 30-30. Nerves of steel he needed.

Harri Heliovaara

A forehand winner won Greg the 1st point and an unreturnable serve saw him win that vital game and go 5-4 up. With Heliovaara serving to stay in the match, Greg applied the pressure and got Heliovaara to 30-40, a break-point opportunity and match point. But Heliovaara saved it and won the game, scores locked up at 5-5, then going with serve to 6-6.

This time, after losing the 2nd set tie-break 7-0 yesterday, it was a determined Greg who played the 3rd set tie-break a lot better. He broke Heliovaara to go ahead, then held serve and broke again to go to a 6-1 lead, serving out the tie-break, set and match, to advance to the QF round with a gutsy 6-3, 6-7(0), 7-6(1) win.

Greg plays that QF match today, later in the afternoon in Fergana.

Asian Tournies #7

In Fergana, Uzbekistan it was an overcast day, with rain threatening, which saw Greg, the No.6 seed for this tournament, face up against his peer, 21 year-old Finn Harri Heliovaara, currently ranked 309, with a high rank of 272 in April, so in good form.
In a match delayed by rain three times, it was Greg who got ahead in the first set, breaking Heliovaara, and going on to take the set 6-3. Heliovaara raised his game in the 2nd set and frustrated Greg, denying him some opportunities to get break-points, and games went evenly all the way to the tie-break at 6-6. Greg could not match a fired up Heliovaara in the tie-break however. He broke Greg early and then continued to win all the tie-break points in a 7-0 rout, to win the 2nd set 7-6 and tie up the match at 1 set all.
Despite more rain, Greg was able to steady the ship and, serving first, held his service games but was unable to make any in-roads into Heliovaara's serve, games going to 4-4. Then at 30-30 on Greg's serve more persistent rain came and he match was post-poned, very delicately poised.
All for Greg to do when he returns to continue with his serve on commencement of the next day's play. Wish him luck...

Asian Tournies #6

After an epic trip involving bus, connecting plane, overnight plane, car trip and another plane trip Greg arrived from Busan, Korea in Fergana, in eastern Usbekistan at mid morning on Monday. Fortunately he was scheduled to play on Tuesday, as were most of the players who played in Busan.

Greg's opponent in the first round was 30 year-old Korean Kyu Tae Im, currently ranked 579, with a high rank of 160. Im is 2-1 ahead in matches against Greg. Poor Im had only arrived in Fergana that morning from Busan, after winning the doubles title on Sunday.

Greg took the early advantage in the 1st set at 2-2, breaking Im to go ahead 3-2. Greg said he struggled in the first set and was not hitting the ball cleanly, perhaps being too cautious. Im was able to get the break back and games went to the tie-break at 6-6, and it was Im who took the initiative to get ahead and win the tie-break and the set 7-6.
Greg was not happy and got pumped up, started going for his shots more in the 2nd set. He held serve and then broke Im immediately and held again to lead 3-0, going on to lead 4-1. Greg then broke Im again  and served out the the set 6-1 and level the match at 1 set all.
Happy with his game now, Greg continued to go for his shots and again broke Im's first serve in the 3rd set, again going 2-0 up, then Im held for 2-1. Games went with serve to 5-3, then with Im serving, Greg again broke Im, winning the set 6-3 and the match 6-7, 6-1, 6-3.
A good first round come from behind win which will ease Greg into the tournament.

Asian Tournies #5


  On a blustery, windy day Greg was on centre court for the quarterfinal match, his opponent the No.1 seed and world No. 55 ranked player, 27 year-old Yen-Hsung Lu from Taipei, who missed out on the initial cut for the Rome Masters and decided to play this tournament, being granted a wild card by the tournament. Lu was one of last year's finalists.

Centre Court at Busan



Greg said conditions for play were not good due to the strong and blustery wind. Lu suffered due to his high ball toss and Greg was able to capitalise in the first set, adapting to the conditions quicker and getting a vital break of serve, then serving out the set 6-3.

Yen-Hsun Lu

Games went to 1-1 in the second set with Lu getting stronger as he adapted to the wind, putting the pressure on Greg's serve in the windy conditions and breaking to go 2-1 up. Greg missed an opportunity to break back in the next game and Lu held to lead 3-1. Lu broke Greg again for 4-1, held for 5-1 and then again broke Greg to take the 2nd set 6-1 and level the match at 1 set all.

Greg responded and matched Lu in the 3rd set, games going to 3-3, then Lu held for 4-3. In the next game a combination of pressure from Lu and the windy conditions saw Greg serve two double faults in the game and Lu capitalised, breaking Greg to lead 5-3 and serve for the match. Greg was unable to get the break back and Lu served out the set and the match, winning 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Jonesie in relaxed mode

An unfortunate draw for Greg, as on his current form he would have had a good chance against any of the other quarter-finalists but that is the rub of the draw. Greg said he wished the weather had been better, as both players would have been able to play decent tennis, and he could have seen how he performed against Lu when both players did not have to battle the elements. All in all a good tournament for Greg with some good wins under his belt, some valuable court time after a longish break and a good performance against the second highest ranked player he has played to date.

Asian Tournies #4

After some morning rains the clouds cleared enough for the second round of the singles to commence in Busan, Korea. Greg was up against a Korean teenager, 19 year-old Yong-Kyu Lim, currently ranked 328, but who was the winner of this tournament last year. Lim did not drop a set in last year's tournament and beat Taipei's Yen-Hsun Lu, then ranked 91, in the final. So an interesting match-up.
Greg started well and was not troubled much on serve in the first set, managing to bring up a few opportunities against a nervous Lim, then breaking Lim to lead the set. Greg continued to hold serve comfortably and won the first set 6-4.
In the second Greg again created a few opportunities on Lim's serve but was not able to capitalise, games going with serve to 5-5. Lim was growing in confidence and the crowd were throwing their vocal one-sided support behind the local player, Lim going 6-5 up and forcing some errors from Greg to get him to 15-40. Greg rose to the challenge, winning 4 points in a row to snuff out the break opportunity, going to the tie-break at 6-6. Lim started the tie-break off well and, fired up, started tee-ing off at every opportunity and the shots were going in, breaking Greg twice to go 3-0, then holding for 5-0, eventually winning the tie-break 7-1. The scores were level at 1-set all.
With the impetus and vocal crowd with Lim, Greg had to re-focus and he responded, holding serve and then breaking Lim and holding to go 3-0 up. Greg then held serve well after that, games going with serve to 5-3. Greg served out the set 6-3, to win a hard fought match 6-4, 6-7(1), 6-3, beating the defending champion and advancing to the QF round, to be played on Friday (the 13th - lucky for some).

Asian Tournies #3

No results from Busan as yet. Checked the weather in Busan and it appears that they have had heavy rain all day, so presume no matches played today.
Weather permitting Greg will play his 2nd round match tomorrow (Thursday 12 May 2011).

Asian Tournies #2

In the doubles in Busan, Greg was playing with Russian Evgeny Kirollov and played later in the afternoon after his singles match.

Unfortunately they were not able to match the experienced Thai-Korean pairing of Danai Udomchoke and Kyu Tae Im, going down comprehensively 62 62. Kirollov had also lost his singles match earlier in the day...

Asian Tournies #1

Upon return to Melbourne from South Africa, it was back to recuperating from his lower leg injury and trying to train, for Greg. His leg still gives him trouble but the Dr. advised that it will heal slowly if the leg is not unduly stressed and Greg can hit on the courts but should avoid hard physical training. His leg hurts after use but it is bearable and ok during play, so he will have to "suck-it-and-see".
After a holiday break and court training collectively of almost three weeks, Greg once again jetted off this time bound for Busan, Korea for a $75k Challenger tournament.

Greg's first round opponent was the No. 8 seed, 26 year-old German Andreas Begemann, currently ranked 258, with a high rank of 166 last year.
The first set was a tight won, with a tiebreak ensuing, Greg getting the slight edge and winning the tie-break 7-4, to win the first set 7-6.
In the second Greg upped the play and was able to take his opportunities, breaking Begemann twice to win the set 6-2 and advance to the second round with a well fought 7-6, 6-2 win.

African Expedition #9

After Botswana, Easter was spent in Benoni, with the Willis clan and the wedding of cousin Gary to Lara, the primary reason for the trip to South Africa, at which Greg was one of the groomsmen. The wedding was held in Pretoria on Good Friday and all the retinue and guests stayed over, either at the reception venue or down the road at Bushman's Rock Hotel.

Bushmans Rock Hotel, Pretoria

The wedding went very well - the bride was beautiful, the minister was poignant but lighthearted, the venue was beautiful, as was the cake and the five bridesmaids, one of which was Gary's sister Kirsten.

The wedding chapel

Gary's brother Matthew was the MC, his best friend Brian and Lara best friend (Brian's wife) gave great speeches, to which Gary replied very aptly and funnily, on behalf of himself and his wife Lara .

Matt, Gra & Jan, Gary & Lara, Sue & Butch

Dinner was served and was delicious, as was dessert. The bouquet was caught by Kirsten, the garter retrieved off Lara by a blinfolded Gary and slung-shot into the eager throng of single males, and the cake was cut. Everbody danced the night away, a few too many shots being imbibed by the younger folk whilst the oldies swallowed the wine and beer.

 The music kept everybody going well past midnight when we all retired quite weary back to our respective hotels.

 The next day, sore heads emerged for a champagne breakfast before departing back to Benoni. 

Gary & Lara



Greg & Daydee



The next two day were spent with the cousins, eating, drinking, braai-ing and shopping, including the obligatory dinner at a steakhouse, a very strange Church service on Easter Sunday and the experience of an attempted robbery at neighbours whilst enjoying a barbecue/braai at Gary & Lara's house. It all happens in Benoni.

Groom Gary and Greg

Then Greg and Emily sadly departed back to Melbourne on Monday evening, their wonderful trip to Southern Africa at an end.

African Expedition #8

After the delayed Soweto Challenger, which saw him miss his flight to Botswana and lose two semi-final matches on the extended Sunday of play, it was a frustrated Greg who got delayed a further three hours at Gaberones, after catching a 7am flight to Botswana on Monday. He eventually arrived in Kasane at 2pm to join the family at the Chobe Safari Lodge.

He was whisked off on a leisurely cruise on the swollen but wonderfully blue Chobe River to spend the afternoon with Emily, sipping on drinks and viewing the plentiful wildlife on the banks and in the river.  
Sunset drinks after the cruise, was followed by a great dinner, featuring dancing African singers and a buffet to match, with buffalo stew, impala chops and warthog roast complementing the normal vast selection of excellent food. After a few wines, much catching up with cousins and family not previously met, and then some great dessert, it was a chilled out Greg who retired early to bed, eagerly awaiting what the next day offered.

An early start, well rugged up against the chilly morning in an open covered jeep, saw Greg, Emily and family keenly spotting the plentiful game.

Unfortunately none of the big cats were spotted but they did have a rare sighting of a jackal, a leopard tortoise and a yawning hippo, as well as plenty of graceful impala, elephants of all sizes and ages including the cutest baby elephant,

huge buffalo, kudus with majestic horns,

warthog, giraffe, puku deer, and birds of all types including maribou, storks and fish eagles.
A hearty breakfast back at the Chobe Safari Lodge finished off a great bush drive.
The drive was repeated in the afternoon, this time in the family vehicle with Leanne and cousin Joshua providing experienced game spotting.
All the usual animals were spotted, with lots of giraffe and elephants and a very skittish black sable antelope, playful baboons, industrious dung beetles and many more herds of buffalo and elephants.
Sunset drinks were enjoyed at the river side bar, which is built over the river, accompanied by a rather large hippo cavorting in the reeds alongside the bar, making the evening special and everyone nervous.

The buffet dinner was a wonderful repeat of the previous evening.
 Up early again the next morning, this time it was off on a speedboat on the Chobe River for a spot of tiger fish fishing.  On a crisp, clear morning, accompanied by river birdlife and snorting hippos, the tiger fish were nibbling but not too hungry. Greg and Emily did have some excitement when the boat's engine failed to start and the river current carried them backwards through a bush and then a tree, with branches, spider and worms dropping down on them.
Luckily they held on to the tree and did not capsize. The fishing guide was able to start the engine and extricate them , unharmed but shaken, from the tree to continue their fishing.

In the early afternoon Greg, Emily and family bade farewell to all and boarded the plane to return to Johannesburg after a fantastic few days in the African Bush at Kasane.

Thanks to Duncan and Leanne and all the wonderful staff at Chobe Safari Lodge for an unforgettable trip.

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