Fingers crossed. I'm hoping Pavic struggles with the slow courts and then Neil gets the unranked WC first round main draw. Not asking too much there am I?
QR2: (q6) Neil Pauffley WR 599 defeated Aaron Cortés (ESP) WR 991 by 4 & 1
*****
FQR: (q3) Ante Pavic WR 494 (CH = 132 in November last year) vs (q6) Neil Pauffley WR 599
The gods weren't smiling on Neil/Stacey. It took Pavic three sets to quell the 17-year-old Italian wild card, Enrico dalla Valle (WR 1005), but quell him he did.
In a strange way, I sometimes think Neil is better playing someone higher ranked as I don't think he feels the pressure as much. Might not be saying that this time tomorrow of course!
Looks like final qualifying round is being livestreamed on ATP website, so anyone wanting to watch (should be on around 1130 UK time) should be able to see: www.atpworldtour.com/en/atp-challenger-tour
It has been real doggy stuff out there, Neil has really had to graft to stay in it, personal highlight a second serve ace down the T at break point at *3-4
*4-5 now and 15-30
One thing I would say is that Neil has really struggled on the second ball